Morocco Lions maturity Netherlands analysis tactical breakdown

Opta figures paint a picture of a Moroccan team capable of sticking to its game plan despite the tension. Over regular time, Morocco totaled 597 passes, 10 shots, of which 4 on target, 7 corners and 14 crosses. Over the entire match, including extra time, the Lions reached 800 precise passes. This is the sign of a team that did not panic, even when the match began to weigh physically and mentally.

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The true Moroccan leader was Neil El Aynaoui. His Opta rating, 9.16, is not merely linked to volume. He embodied the team’s balance: 134 precise passes, 4 tackles, 1 interception, constant presence in midfield and even projection into the box. He was not the most spectacular player, but he was the one who gave Morocco its stability.

Around him, Azzedine Ounahi brought a more creative touch. With 79 precise passes and 3 actions leading to a shot, he was one of the few Moroccans able to create a gap in midfield. Morocco circulated much, but when it came to advancing play other than through the wings, Ounahi was often the most interesting relay.

The danger came mainly from the right flank, driven by Achraf Hakimi. The fullback delivered a very complete match: 94 precise passes, 9 crosses, 3 shots in the box, 0.234 xG, 2 interceptions and even one shot. In a tight match, he was Morocco’s main source of penetration. Morocco often sought to stretch the Dutch block down his flank, before finding situations on crosses or second balls.

But the attacking play also showed its limits. Brahim Díaz remained too discreet: 32 precise passes, no shots, no xG, no actions leading to a shot. For a player supposed to make a difference between the lines, his influence was too weak. Morocco therefore had to find other solutions, notably down the flanks and with substitutes.

The bench indeed had an impact. Soufiane Rahimi played only part of the match, but he concentrates Morocco’s biggest chance with 0.753 xG. This is a very telling figure: Morocco produced, but its best situation came late, thanks to a substitute. This shows both the depth of the squad and the lack of efficiency that could have cost dearly before the penalty shootout.

Defensively, Morocco’s performance was solid. Issa Diop scored, but he also weighed in the game with 65 precise passes, 3 interceptions and significant presence in the opponent’s box. Noussair Mazraoui, with 5 tackles, was one of the guarantors of defensive balance. Morocco did not defend deep by default: it mainly protected dangerous areas well. The fact that Yassine Bounou was credited with only one save illustrates this ability to limit clear-cut opponent situations.

Morocco’s qualification therefore rests on three elements: strong control in circulation, disciplined defense and the ability to remain clear-headed until the end. But it also leaves a warning: Morocco sometimes lacked sharpness in the final thirty meters. With 1.399 xG over the entire match, the Lions could have avoided exposing themselves to the lottery of penalties.

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This success is not that of a team that crushed everything. It is that of a team that knew how to hold, think, adapt and survive. In a knockout match, that is already a demonstration of character.