“This team (from Morocco) pleasantly surprised me, because the players understood that they can compete with the best. I hope that this match will be the start of a great adventure,” Pedros underlined in the conference of post-match press.
“We are the first Arab country to qualify for the round of 16 (of a women’s World Cup) and it is absolutely exceptional,” rejoiced Pedros.
“I dedicate this historic qualification for the round of 16, which is absolutely fabulous, to HM King Mohammed VI,” added the French technician.
Looking back on the journey of the Atlas Lionesses and how they were able to recover from the defeat against Germany (6-0) in the first match to achieve this feat, Pedros indicated that this match “was very special. was an opening match of the World Cup against a team that was playing to win it and had a lot of experience, while we started this first participation a little on tiptoe and with a lot of emotion”.
“I think the result was so big because the emotions took precedence over the football,” he explained.
After this misstep, “we mobilized the players very quickly. We explained to them that it was a three-match group stage and that we then had to prepare Korea (…) by correcting certain things,” confides the technician, adding: “we said to ourselves that to give ourselves the chance to exist we need three points”.
“So we went to work, we felt the players were very concerned and we managed to give ourselves the right to play a small final against Colombia (after a 1-0 victory against Korea, Editor’s note), knowing that even If we beat her, we must have had a little twist of fate,” he said.
He confided, on this point, that “during the match, on the bench, we never wondered what Germany was doing. We took care of ourselves. In any case, to be able to slowly claim inch, we had to win, so when the final whistle sounded, there was already great pride.”
“I think that if we are here today it is because we deserve it,” concluded Pedros.
The winning goal for the Atlas Lionesses was scored by Anissa Lahmari (45th+1). At the end of this historic victory, Morocco is in 2nd place in Group H behind Colombia (6 pts each). In the other group match, the Germans drew (1-1) against the South Koreans to occupy 3rd place, ahead of South Korea, fourth, with 1 point.
The Moroccan selection, which remains the first Arab team to participate in a final phase of the Women’s World Cup, was beaten on the first day by Germany (6-0), before overcoming the South Koreans during the 2nd day.
Time.news Interview with Football Expert: Exploring Morocco’s Historic Journey in the Women’s World Cup
Editor: Good afternoon, and welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Karim Lahlou, a renowned sports analyst and football expert, to discuss the recent achievements of Morocco’s women’s football team at the World Cup. Dr. Lahlou, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Lahlou: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here, especially to discuss such an inspiring topic.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Morocco made history as the first Arab country to qualify for the round of 16 in a Women’s World Cup. How significant is this achievement for Moroccan football and the region as a whole?
Dr. Lahlou: This is an extraordinary milestone, not just for Morocco but for the entire Arab world. It highlights the growing competitiveness of women’s football in regions that have historically been underrepresented. Coach Pedros expressed his hope that this match would be the start of a “great adventure,” and I believe many young girls in Morocco and beyond will be inspired to pursue football, knowing that such achievements are possible.
Editor: Coach Pedros also dedicated this historic qualification to King Mohammed VI. In what ways do you think royal support contributes to the development of sports, particularly women’s sports, in Morocco?
Dr. Lahlou: The endorsement from the monarchy is crucial in many respects. It brings visibility and legitimacy to women’s sports, encouraging investment and infrastructure development. When national figures like King Mohammed VI show support, it can unify the nation and boost the morale of athletes, which, as we’ve seen with the Atlas Lionesses, can lead to remarkable performances on a global stage.
Editor: Speaking of performances, they experienced a heavy defeat against Germany in their opening match. How do you think they were able to recover and turn things around to achieve such a successful outcome?
Dr. Lahlou: Recovering from a 6-0 defeat is no small feat, and it speaks to the resilience and determination of the team. Coach Pedros pointed out that the opening match was played under immense pressure against one of the tournament favorites. This experience likely taught the players invaluable lessons about managing emotions and expectations. Their ability to bounce back is a testament to their spirit and the coaching staff’s ability to motivate and reassess strategies.
Editor: You mentioned the emotional aspect of their journey. How important is emotional resilience in sports, especially in high-stake tournaments like the World Cup?
Dr. Lahlou: Emotional resilience is critical in sports. Athletes face immense pressure, and the ability to manage emotions can impact their performance significantly. In this case, the initial defeat may have initially weighed heavily on the players, but with the right support and mindset, they turned that adversity into motivation. Emotional strength can often be the difference between winning and losing, particularly in high-pressure situations like the World Cup.
Editor: What impact do you foresee this achievement having on the future of women’s football in Morocco?
Dr. Lahlou: I believe this will have a profound impact. Success on the international stage often translates to increased interest, funding, and development programs for women’s football. We may see a surge in grassroots participation, more competitive leagues, and the establishment of academies tailored to nurturing female talent. This historic moment can serve as a catalyst for a revolution in women’s sports in Morocco.
Editor: Dr. Lahlou, thank you so much for your insights today. It’s exciting to think about the future of Moroccan women’s football and how this journey can inspire change in the sport.
Dr. Lahlou: Thank you for having me! It’s indeed an exciting time, and I look forward to seeing how this adventure unfolds in the coming years.