Sparks set to fly as Morocco take on world’s second-ranked Belgium
Goalless draw against Croatia a boost for Atlas Lions
It’s now or never for Morocco’s Atlas Lions and no one knows better than head coach, Walid Regragui, as they face a litmus test in the form of Belgium in today’s encounter in Doha’s Al Thumama Stadium (3pm kick off).
Africa’s number two side will be encouraged by the fact that they fought gallantly to secure a goalless draw against 2018 finalists Croatia, in their opening match in Group F, earlier this week.
Belgium, who are ranked second in the world, will take to the field as favourites against the Moroccans, who are in 22nd spot in world football. If anything, Saudi Arabia’s big 2-1 upset over Argentina or Japan’s famous win, by the same score over Germany, proves that anything is possible in this tournament. More so when the Belgians have admitted they were “lucky” to beat Canada 1-0 in their first match. In fact, star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne was surprised to receive the Man of the Match award.
“I don’t think I played a great game. I don’t know why I got the trophy. Maybe it’s because of the name. I just don’t think we played well enough as a team, especially in the first half,” reflected De Bruyne.
That’s commendable from the Manchester City star because he knows they can do better and isn’t shy to say it, but it also points to the vulnerabilities of Belgium’s Red Devils, as their national team is affectionately known. However, it’s worth noting that Belgium have won their last eight group stage matches in the World Cup. The last time they suffered a defeat before the knockout phase was to Saudi Arabia in 1994.
The Atlas Lions boast of five players from top clubs in Europe and they must prove their mettle. These include Chelsea forward Hakim Ziyech, Paris Saint-germain right-back Achraf Hakimi, Bayern Munich’s
Nosair Mazraoui, Spain-based Yassine Bounou, who plies his trade with Sevilla, and Franceborn Marseille striker Amin Harit.
While Morocco are likely to be without defender Mazraoui, who was stretchered off in the match against Croatia, there are encouraging signs from their camp.
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic heaped praise on Morocco after their draw and said: “They were extremely well prepared and courageous against us.”
Now the rest of Africa waits to see if Morocco can go one better and get a win.