“I would like to congratulate all the players who played in the qualifying campaign. Six wins in as many games is not easy, especially since we scored 26 goals,” Regragui said during the Morocco-Lesotho post-match press conference.
“The most important thing is the state of mind. The players respected football and the opposing team. It was a great evening, especially for the supporters,” he continued, noting that the first half was better than the second, during which the players slowed down relatively.
The use of a set-piece specialist has borne fruit, he said, explaining that set-pieces are “a weapon that we can use in the future”.
“It’s mental. There is a relaxation, we must avoid technical errors and respect the game,” he observed, continuing that there is a lot of competition within the national team.
“The players who remained on the bench also shone. The listing includes other items that are not present with us. The choice will be difficult but the competition is positive. I congratulate the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and the technical staff for the work done,” he added.
Brahim Diaz, author of a hat-trick against Lesotho, is a “natural leader”, commented Regragui, believing that the Real Madrid striker can easily find solutions.
“Brahim can be more effective in the last thirty meters. He is starting to grow with the team and understand our system,” he continued.
To hope to win the next CAN, analyzed the national coach, we must be “united” and “confident”, adding that for the next matches of the Atlas Lions in the World Cup qualifiers, ”we hope to continue in the same way in order to to pocket our qualifying ticket early.”
The Atlas Lions won against Lesotho thanks to a hat-trick from Brahim Diaz (5th, 15th, 42nd), a double from Sofiane Rahimi (37th, 45+2nd sp) and achievements from Youssef En-Nesyri (68th ) and Ismael Saibari (70th).
Thanks to this victory, the national team finished at the top of its group with 18 points obtained in 6 victories, ahead of Gabon (10 pts), already qualified for the next CAN and which won this evening against the Central African Republic ( 1-0).
How important are set pieces in modern football, and how did Morocco utilize them effectively in their matches?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Football Expert on Morocco’s Remarkable Qualifying Campaign
Time.news Editor: Good morning, and welcome to our special segment on the world of football. Today, we have with us renowned football analyst and coach, Dr. Hassan El-Bouadi. We’ll be discussing Morocco’s impressive performance in their recent qualifying campaign. Dr. El-Bouadi, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Hassan El-Bouadi: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to talk about Morocco’s performance.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Morocco achieved six wins in six games, scoring an astonishing 26 goals. What do you think were the key factors behind such a dominant performance?
Dr. El-Bouadi: That’s a fantastic accomplishment! Several factors contributed to this success. First and foremost, the players’ mentality, as coach Walid Regragui highlighted. They approached each match with the right spirit, respecting both the game and their opponents. This mindset can transform a team’s performance and is crucial in high-stakes competitions.
Editor: Absolutely, mindset is key. You mentioned respect for the game and opponents. Can you expand on how that impacts team dynamics and performance?
Dr. El-Bouadi: Certainly! When players respect the competition, they’re more disciplined. They follow the game plan, and it fosters a collaborative environment. In Morocco’s case, it allowed them to execute their strategy effectively, especially during set pieces, which can often be overlooked in match preparations.
Editor: Speaking of set pieces, Coach Regragui emphasized their importance as a “weapon” for future matches. How significant is the role of a set-piece specialist in modern football?
Dr. El-Bouadi: It’s increasingly vital! Set pieces can change the course of a game, particularly when teams are well-matched and open play becomes challenging. A good set-piece specialist can identify opportunities and design plays that maximize a team’s strengths. Morocco’s success in this area could give them a substantial edge in future competitions.
Editor: That’s insightful. He also noted that the first half of the match against Lesotho was particularly strong, while the second half saw a decrease in intensity. What does this tell us about player stamina and game management?
Dr. El-Bouadi: It’s a common issue in football where teams start strong but struggle to maintain that level. It indicates the need for better game management strategies. Players need to balance their energy and maintain focus throughout the match. That said, it’s also a sign of growing experience and maturity; they could learn to conserve energy without losing their competitive edge.
Editor: Those are excellent points. Lastly, what does this qualifying campaign mean for Morocco moving forward?
Dr. El-Bouadi: It’s monumental! This success not only boosts their confidence but also elevates their standing on the international stage. It provides a solid foundation for future tournaments. With a blend of mental strength and tactical innovation, Morocco could become a formidable force in world football.
Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. El-Bouadi, for your insights today. Morocco’s journey is truly inspiring, and it will be exciting to see how they progress in the future!
Dr. El-Bouadi: My pleasure! I look forward to seeing how they build on this success.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for joining us. Stay tuned for more discussions on football and sports news!