World Cup 2022, Group F: Morocco look to build on their momentum against Croatia
World Cup 2022: Morocco look to build on their momentum against Croatia as the Atlas Lions begin their campaign on Wednesday
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The statistics don't necessarily favour Morocco when it comes to opening a World Cup. In five matches, the Atlas Lions have won only once, in 1998, against Scotland (3-0). Despite some good performances, they have often lost or come up short against their opponents in their opening game of the tournament. But those are just numbers. Morocco remain on a good run since Walid Regragui took over on the bench, which has given supporters fresh hope.
We’re finally getting closer to the show!
Morocco 🇲🇦 🆚 🇭🇷 Croatia
🏟 Al Bayt Stadium, Doha
🕗 11AM (Gmt+1)#DimaMaghrib 🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/469guNNHjd— Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) November 22, 2022
In their last four matches, the Atlas Lions have even recorded three wins and a draw, without conceding a single goal. It is a return to form at the right moment. Proof of that is that Hakim Ziyech and Noussair Mazraoui, both previously out in the cold, are smiling again on the pitch and delivering. Even Abderrzzak Hamdallah proved useful on his return against Georgia.
But as they get ready to start this World Cup in Qatar, the level of play and concentration will need to be better against a Croatian side who are good on the ball and very hard to dominate in midfield. Morocco nevertheless look equipped to thwart the Croatian game plan and get their tournament off to a good start.
“Going far in the tournament”
“It will be a very difficult match, but we can do something good. We are a very happy group, who get on well, and Insha’Allah things will go well,” says AS Bari forward Walid Cheddira.
“I think we played a good game against Georgia. The mindset is good and we know what we have to do to please the fans and show what we are capable of,” says Hakim Ziyech for his part. The Chelsea player insists the group are getting on well and also working hard. “That combination is important and will help us go far in the tournament,” he believes.
Croatia played their last warm-up match against Saudi Arabia, to see how their opponent of the day would behave. Although they won by the narrowest of margins, the Croatians were not unplayable, which could give the Atlas Lions a few ideas.
“Not focusing solely on Modric”
At his pre-match press conference, Walid Regragui acknowledged that the opposition will be tough. “It will be a difficult match because we are playing the world runners-up, with world-class players. We expect it to be decided on small details. We are ready to give everything and make our supporters happy”.
The coach does not intend, however, to focus on Croatia's Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric. “We stay focused on our own players. We have good players like Boufal, Ziyech, Mazraoui… If we focus only on Modric, it will be a big mistake. We need the right attitude, to play our football and to have no regrets about this match,” Regragui warns.
We are ready 🇭🇷🙏 pic.twitter.com/LU6oVh6HJU
— Luka Modrić (@lukamodric10) November 20, 2022
The coach feels Morocco do not necessarily need to chase possession. He wants, in a way, to take inspiration from Saudi Arabia, who stunned Argentina. “I watched the match where Saudi Arabia beat Argentina, with the best player in history on the other side. We must know what we are doing with the ball. With the type of players we have, we naturally want to have the ball, but the opposition also have good ball players…” Regragui nonetheless acknowledges.
Two sides in form
Morocco and Croatia have not yet met in an official competition. The only match between the two teams took place in Casablanca, in 1996. At the Hassan II Tournament, the two sides drew 2-2 before Croatia won on penalties.
In 2022, both teams have been in good form. Croatia have played 9 matches so far, with a single defeat, against Austria in the Nations League (3-0). Besides draws against France and Slovenia, they have just put together six straight wins. The world runners-up do not, however, boast an impressive goals record (12 scored, 5 conceded). That could work in the Atlas Lions' favour.
On the Moroccan side, 13 matches have been played this year. The record is broadly positive, with 8 wins, two defeats and three draws. But the two defeats, against the United States in a friendly (3-0) and Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations (2-1), show that the Atlas Lions still have a step to take against the heavyweights, especially physically. To get a good result against Croatia, they will above all need to confirm their form in attack (22 goals scored) and be more solid at the back (11 conceded).
Mohamed HADJI