Reaching the quarter-finals: what makes Morocco so strong

First Morocco completes a tough Group F as group winners in front of Croatia and Belgium – then the “Lions of the Atlas” favorites Spain are knocked out of the tournament. Moroccan World Cup beard.

Morocco are undoubtedly the surprise of the 2022 World Cup after beating Spain on penalties “Permanently Smiling Goalie” Bono North West African are in the quarter finals. Why Morocco deserves and is in the quarter-finals for the first time in its history – a look at the might of the “lions of the Atlas”.

Moroccan strong defense

Morocco’s defense is very good. Morocco have conceded just one goal in the tournament – and it was an unfortunate one against Canada. The offensive stars of Croatia, Belgium and Spain failed to break through the defensive barricade around captain Romain Sass.

Furthermore, Morocco has world-class full-backs in Achraf Hakimi and Nouasir Mazrouei. An occupation that Germany can only dream of. The Moroccan youngsters are both stronger defensively, but they can also develop full offensive power.

And even if the Moroccan defense slips a ball, Yassin Bouno, the Sevilla goalkeeper known as Bouno, is still there. He’s already a national hero, thanks to his rescue against Spain.

exceptional discipline

What’s striking when you look at Morocco’s past games: The northwest Africans are exceptionally disciplined. They are almost always inferior in terms of play – and they know it. But it doesn’t matter to them as they follow their match plan till the last second. With enough running they slip the chains and lock the center. Morocco does not give any gap to the opponent.

The Moroccan discipline even has a name: sofian amarbat. A worker in the square. The AC Florence man is the only six in front of the defense chain and has enough meters for two players. His will to run and strength in tackling are the Moroccan’s life insurance.

Morocco can also rely on Amarbat in the build-up game. He brings about 90 percent of his passports to the man. The Internet celebrates Amarabat for his outstanding achievements.

The team carries the enthusiasm of the fans

The stadium draws over 30,000 Moroccan fans every World Cup game, a home game. But Moroccans are also in party mood outside the stadium. Social media is full of Moroccan fans celebrating themselves and their country. And the internet is celebrating Moroccan fans.

“By God, it’s true, Santa Claus is dancing” – that’s what Moroccan fans sing in a video watched by millions on TikTok and Twitter since January. No wonder Morocco have been so dominant in this World Cup. With such passionate fans (and Santa Claus on your side) it’s hard to lose.

Moroccan fans celebrate in Germany too

Moroccan fans also give it their all in Germany. The Moroccan-influenced “Maghreb District” in Düsseldorf celebrates the victory against Spain.

the whole of africa supports morocco

Morocco is the last remaining African team in the tournament. A team from the second largest continent has never made it to the semi-finals of the World Cup. Twitter, TikTok and Co. But the comment columns are full of supporters from other African countries. Everyone wishes Morocco maximum success. Such support inspires.

Morocco is also the last Arab team in the tournament. The “Atlas Lions” certainly have the support of the Arab world. Perhaps it is this mix of athletic performance and Afro-Arab enthusiasm that makes Morocco so cool. And perhaps this is the key to success in the quarter-finals against Portugal. Moroccans would say “Inshallah” – God willing.

Source: sportschau.de