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After their thrilling win over the Netherlands that helped them qualify for the round of 16, Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi said that the team has "gained everybody's respect now", adding that nobody can stop them if they keep playing the football they know how to play.
Issa Diop's equaliser and Ismael Saibari's deciding spot kick were the highlights as Morocco, the 2022 semifinalists, continued their fine run in the tournament, beating 2018 third-placed Netherlands to seal a round of 16 spot. Speaking after the match in the presser as quoted by Reuters, Ouahbi said, "Morocco has gained everybody's respect now. It is not because of what we've said. We have now shown it." The coach, who first coached the country's under-20 set-up, said that his team is driven by something bigger than football and winning matches, saying, "This team, and all the Moroccan youth teams, are fighting for much, much more than just football or simply winning a match," he said. "They know that behind them there are millions and millions of people. We played when it was two in the morning in Morocco, and we are certain that most people stayed awake. That gives you the energy not to give up, to keep going and to believe in yourself," he added. Ouahbi said that Morocco dominated their opponents despite needing the match to go to penalties to produce a result, pointing out a better possession rate, more shots and expected goals. "We completely dominated a Netherlands team," he said. "We had 70 per cent possession, more shots and more expected goals. We controlled the match. We wanted to stay calm, play our game and believe that if it went to penalties, we had an exceptional goalkeeper. We did not turn the match into a chaotic battle. We controlled it," he added. Ouahbi admitted being surprised by the Netherlands' more defensive approach, but also viewed it as a "form of respect" for their team. "I really did not expect this kind of low block because the Netherlands like to have the ball and is very strong when they do. I saw this type of play as a form of respect," he said. The coach said that for the past few years, both players and fans of the team have displayed immense belief in themselves. "Nobody can stop us if we play the football we know how to play," he said. "But nobody is unbeatable. If we get things wrong, we will go home," he signed off. Morocco will be playing Canada in their round of 16 match on July 4. (ANI)
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