SAISS: WE CAN FINISH WITH A FLOURISH
ROMAIN SAISS says Morocco’s players want to keep up the magical firsts by beating France to reach the World Cup Final.
Morocco became the first African country in World Cup history to make the semi-finals after their 1-0 win over Portugal.
But skipper Saiss insists he and his team-mates are now determined to go all the way in Qatar under boss Walid Regragui.
He said: “I know we’ve made history but we want to keep making history.
“What’s important now is to recover well and prepare for the semi-final. We’ve shown the character and mentality of this team.
“Everyone is focused and ready to play. That’s how you can go far in this kind of tournament.”
Former Wolves defender Saiss came off injured in the win over Portugal and is a major doubt to face the holders on Wednesday.
If he does not make it, Morocco could be without three of their first-choice defence, with Nayef Aguerd and Noussair Mazraoui also injured.
Asked if he will be fit, Saiss, 32, now at Besiktas, said: “I will do some examinations to see what kind of injury I have but I will try my best to be on the pitch.
“If I feel it’s too difficult, I will not take any risk and put my team in trouble just to play in the semi-final.
“But I will do everything to be there, just as I did everything to be here for 55 minutes against Portugal. We dream, of course. Dreaming is free but to do it is different.”
Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat reckons reaching the semi-final was vindication of years of dedication and sacrifice from players and families.
The Fiorentina ace said: “They are so proud.
“You could see it in their eyes, they were crying. You start to play football to make them proud.
“They are your family. When I was a child, my father always brought me to football and it was very nice that we could give them this back.”
The fallout over claims by Portugal star Bruno Fernandes that referee Facundo Tello of Argentina favoured Morocco in the game continued as Saiss hit back.
He said: “What can I say? We don’t choose the referee. We had five referees, only Hispanic referees, since the beginning.
“We never complained against Spain, so I don’t know. It’s easier to find an excuse after that but if they had won, maybe he would have another opinion.
“I can understand because they are thinking about the duels between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. But what can I say to him?”