Morocco’s World Cup Journey: Former Star Predicts Upset Over Spain, Potential Final Run

"... Little by little, I find that they (the Atlas Lions) have freed themselves, especially against Canada (2-1). They were confident after their two good results (0-0 against Croatia and 2-0 against Belgium). I like their passion, their determination, their huge desire to raise their country very high. And unlike twenty years ago for example, I see a real individual and collective intelligence on the part of the players," said Abdeslam Ouaddou in an interview with 20 minutes.

He noted that the players "of this generation have a tactical background that allows them to manage the matches well. Before, Morocco always had very good technical players, but there was a collective naivety." The former Moroccan international with 59 caps links this evolution to the coaches of these selections, who have played in Europe. "They have learned this tactical discipline and it has allowed them to take a step forward". Also, he highlighted the qualities of the Atlas Lions like Hakim Ziyech, Noussair Mazraoui, Sofiane Amrabat trained in the Netherlands, Achraf Hakimi trained in Spain.

"In front of the defense, Sofiane Amrabat does extraordinary work and is part of the team of the first phase. He is just huge! In another register, we could certainly ask questions about the form of Ziyech who was not playing at Chelsea. But he arrived with a lot of freshness, gradually regained his rhythm. He will count. Finally, I think of En-Nesyri. He has an atypical style and was criticized by the majority of supporters, which is unfair. But a technician who knows football quickly realizes his importance in the system".

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The general manager of the Beninese club, Loto-Popo, says he is convinced that the Moroccan team can defeat Spain this Tuesday, November 6. "I already see them winning against Spain in the round of 16. Why? Because La Roja has a game based on possession, movements, passes. But Morocco has such tactical intelligence that it can counter it if it manages to close the spaces well. And then I see them going to the final! You can take me for a fool, but I guarantee you they can get there. Unless injuries were to occur, because the depth of the bench seems limited to me."