
<p>Morocco was drawn into a group that many labelled them underdogs in the 2022 World Cup.</p>



<p>The first opponent was Croatia, the runner-up of the 2018 World Cup. Then, Belgium, with its ‘golden generation,’ was a popular pick to advance out of the group. Finally, a hungry Canadian team that finished atop CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying made its first World Cup appearance in 36 years. </p>



<p>That tournament 36 years ago was a special one. Morocco finished as the winners of a group with three European teams: England, Poland and Portugal. Moreover, Morocco became the first African team to top a World Cup group. The Atlas Lions fell to a Lothar Matthäus goal in the 88th minute to exit the World Cup. </p>



<p>Fast forward to the present, and Morocco was the best-performing team in CAF qualification for the World Cup 2022. It won all six games played in the second stage. In doing so, Morocco scored 20 and conceded just one.</p>



<h5>Managerial change</h5>



<p>Then, just three months before the tournament, the team experienced a significant turning point. Morocco sacked head coach Vahid Halilhodzic. The Bosnian was notorious for his frosty relationships with a number of players. Hakim Ziyech did not feature for AFCON 2022. This angered both fans and the player, as Ziyech retired from international competition.</p>



<p>Walid Regragui stepped in as Halilhodzic’s replacement. Regragui helped Wydad AC to win the Botola Pro, Morocco’s top flight. Also, He led Wydad AC to its third CAF Champions League title. He is just the second Moroccan manager to win the African Champions League.</p>



<p>The return of Chelsea forward Hakim Ziyech from retirement helped to reduce tensions in the squad.</p>



<h2>Morocco lights up World Cup 2022</h2>



<p>Morocco’s main aim in the 2022 World Cup was to improve on the last tournament in 2018. In a group of Spain, Portugal and Iran, Morocco finished last in the group. However, it forced a draw out of Spain and only lost 1-0 to Portugal via a Cristiano Ronaldo goal.</p>



<p>Morocco’s campaign began with a goalless draw against Croatia. Prior to the game, most wrote off Morocco. However, the actual game leaned towards the African side. Aggressive pressing created eight goal attempts to Croatia’s six.</p>



<p>In matchday two, Morocco pulled off one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history. It smashed European giants Belgium, 2-0. For the first time since 1998, Morocco won a World Cup game. Yet, this was far more impressive than a 3-0 win over Scotland in 1998.</p>



<p>With a 2-1 win over Canada in the last group stage game, Morocco clinched first place in Group F. For the first time in 36 years, Morocco was in the last 16 of the World Cup.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">𝐓𝐎𝐆𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐋 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐍𝐃 🦁❤️ <a href="https:\/\/t.co/FMGNjs6I0A">pic.twitter.com/FMGNjs6I0A</a></p>— Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/EnMaroc/status/1603142312397357057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h5>Knockout stage</h5>



<p>The first opponent in the knockout stage was Spain. La Roja were the favorites, of course. Despite finishing runner-up to Japan in the group, Spain is always a tough opponent. Luis Enrique’s side dominated possession and created the majority of the chances. Still, that was not enough for the win.</p>



<p>After 120 minutes of neither team finding the net, the game went to penalties. Thanks to the heroics of Moroccan goalkeeper Bono, Morocco prevailed 3-0 on penalties as they advanced to the quarterfinals.</p>



<p>Another strong European opponent waited in the last eight. The Atlas Lions <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/euro-press-reaction-to-england-france-morocco-portugal-games-20221211-WST-411985.html">went up against Portugal</a>. Even with the heroics of Cristiano Ronaldo on the sidelines, Portugal presented a different challenge from Spain. Morocco’s excellent positional discipline and a strong defensive line prevented Portugal from mounting many inventive threats. <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/morocco-stun-portugal-to-reach-world-cup-semi-final-20221210-WST-411917.html">Morocco won the game</a> thanks to a goal by Youssef En-Nesyri. </p>



<p>As a result, Morocco became the <a href="https:\/\/bleacherreport.com/articles/1920412-the-5-greatest-african-teams-in-world-cup-history" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first African country</a> to play in the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/morocco-represents-africa-at-2022-world-cup-20221210-WST-411906.html">World Cup semifinals</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"The whole tournament they were with us. They were amazing. I think because of them we were allowed to do this. We wanted to give them a final."<br><br>Sofyan Amrabat joined <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/JennyTaft?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JennyTaft</a> to talk about how impactful Morocco fans were during this FIFA World Cup 🇲🇦 <a href="https:\/\/t.co/f5W6Bzog6S">pic.twitter.com/f5W6Bzog6S</a></p>— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1603141621876408326?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>According to the Moroccan Coach, their journey is the result of the hard work they have put in. Regragui says it is not simply a miracle.</p>



<p>“It is not about miracles, but about the hard work that we have gone through during our journey so far. The World Cup is wonderful for the players. I was hoping to participate in the tournament as a player , but fate gave me the opportunity to return as a coach to become the happiest person on the face of the earth. Earth, now we can dream of winning the World Cup,” coach Walid Regragui said.</p>



<h5>History makers </h5>



<p>Whatever happens now, Morocco has made history in this tournament by becoming the first African country to reach the World Cup semi-finals. Morocco knocked out two European footballing titans in the knockout phase, prompting manager Walid Regragui to refer to Morocco as the “Rocky of this World Cup.”</p>



<p>In the end, France was simply too much. Morocco got past the third-place team and the second-place team from 2018. The champions from four years ago had too much talent with their clinical finishing in the semifinal. </p>



<p>Regardless, Morocco can be the first team to finish on the proverbial podium at the World Cup from Africa. A feat deservedly earned after a grueling run to the final four of the tournament.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Agencia MexSport</em></p>



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<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
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Morocco lost to France in the semifinal of the 2022 World Cup. Despite the result, it is one of the best underdog runs in the tournament.

Morocco puts together historic fairytale in 2022 World Cup

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<p>France booked a spot in the 2022 World Cup Final after defeating Morocco, 2-0. The victory provides France a chance to be the first repeat World Cup champions since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. </p>



<p>As a result Morocco, goes down to the third-place game. Still, this is the best finish for an <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/morocco-represents-africa-at-2022-world-cup-20221210-WST-411906.html">African side at the World Cup</a>.</p>



<p>Throughout the tournament, Morocco relied on strong defensive play. It would steal a goal off a set piece or hold out for penalties, <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/hakimi-panenka-puts-morocco-in-the-quarter-finals-20221206-WST-411480.html">as it did against Spain</a>. For reference, no team scored on Morocco during its five games at the World Cup in 2022. The only concession was an own goal against Canada. Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, or Bono, has a legitimate chance to win the award for best goalkeeper. </p>



<p>The issue was the other team’s offense. France has an embarrassment of riches across the pitch. Therefore, it is fitting that two players not meant to start, or even appear, in the tournament grabbed both the goals. </p>



<h5>Unlikely French goalscorers</h5>



<p>All the chatter of this World Cup in the French camp was the play of Kylian Mbappé with five goals. Or, it centered around Olivier Giroud setting the French goalscoring record with four goals. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="France &amp; Morocco&apos;s walk-outs and National Anthems ahead of semifinals matchup at 2022 FIFA World Cup" width="500" height="281" src="https:\/\/www.youtube.com/embed/cEWMQ5zOZpo?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<p>It did not, however, focus on Theo Hernandez. The left back was a reserve to his brother, Lucas Hernandez. However, when Lucas picked up a serious injury against Australia in the first group stage game, Theo fit in naturally. </p>



<p>He attempted a wild high kick after a deflected shot that beat Bono. It was just his second goal with the national team. The other actually sent France to the UEFA Nations League Finals in 2021. It was 1-0 to France inside the first five minutes. </p>



<p>Then, Randall Kolo Muani scored the insurance goal in the 79th minute. The interesting fact about Kolo Muani is that Didier Deschamps did not originally select the player for the World Cup. Instead, he only joined the squad as a <a href="https:\/\/www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/christopher-nkunku-injury-world-cup-heavyweights-france-suffer-big-blow-on-eve-of-trip-to-qatar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">replacement for Christopher Nkunku</a>. Remarkably, that was Kolo Muani’s first goal in the French kit. Not a bad time to get it.</p>



<h2>France reaches another World Cup Final</h2>



<p>Morocco had more of the ball. The Atlas Lions had 62% possession to France’s 38%. However, Hugo Lloris and the French defense always had an answer. The one time it did not, the post denied a goal. Jawad El Yamiq attempted an overhead kick that forced Lloris into a desperate dive. Then, the clank of the post denied an equalizer.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BIKE KICK OFF THE POST<br><br>Morocco almost tied things up in an incredible fashion 😳 <a href="https:\/\/t.co/tdqSsyDs55">pic.twitter.com/tdqSsyDs55</a></p>— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1603114113424818179?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>France was the better team on the day, even if Morocco looked perhaps the more creative. An early injury exit to Romain Saiss, one of the defenders of the tournament, did no favors to protecting Moroccan security at the back. That being said, Morocco did temper the attempts of Kylian Mbappé. </p>



<p>Now, France has a date with Argentina in the World Cup Final. In many ways, it is a battle of eras. Kylian Mbappé, at just 23 years old, can have two World Cups to his name before he truly hits the prime of his career. Or, Lionel Messi can close out his international career with the one trophy he is missing. Sunday’s World Cup Final, fittingly, meets all the criteria for a fantastic intercontinental showdown.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Ulmer/Teamfoto</em></p>



<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">breakdown each group</a> and all the teams
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/"><strong>World Cup Bracket:</strong></a> Map out the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">entire tournament</a>, from the groups to the final
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/"><strong>World Cup Hub:</strong></a> Your one stop for <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">everything Qatar 2022</a>
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France reached its second straight World Cup Final after defeating Morocco, 2-0, in the second semifinal of the 2022 World Cup.

ALL POSTS TAGGED "Walid Regragui"

Morocco

Morocco puts together historic fairytale in 2022 World Cup

France

France ends Morocco run, reaches World Cup Final