Morocco to ‘Come Out Swinging’ against Spain at World Cup

  • 12/5/2022
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Morocco coach Walid Regragui has urged his team to believe they can defeat powerhouse Spain as they attempt to reach a first World Cup quarter-final.  The north African side are in the last 16 for only the second time after advancing as winners of Group F ahead of 2018 runners-up Croatia, having defeated Belgium and Canada in Qatar.   "It will be a very testing game for us. Were coming up against one of the best footballing nations in the world. I think theyre one of the favorites to reach the final," Regragui said on Monday.  "That said, weve also got things up our sleeve. Weve had one extra rest day compared to them and were going to try and pull a surprise out of the bag.   "If were able to send Spain packing, I think this will be a wonderful surprise not only for us but for our country."   Spain denied Morocco a famous win at the 2018 World Cup with a last-gasp equalizer in a 2-2 draw, the only point the Moroccans picked up in Russia.   "Were not seeking revenge at all. Were not looking at what happened in the past," said Regragui, who was appointed in August.   "Weve got a new generation and, for me, the mentality has to change with the Moroccan team. All the negative aspects, thats the old Morocco, weve changed. Our countrys changed."   Morocco, the lone Arab nation and the last African team remaining in Qatar, will have the vocal backing of thousands of fans for Tuesdays game at Education City Stadium.   "Well come out swinging. We want to hoist the Moroccan flag way up high. Were playing first and foremost for us and our country," said Regragui.   "All Arabs and Africans, we want to make them happy. We want their prayers and we want their support so it can give us that extra ingredient to win. Before it was just the Moroccans that supported us."   Morocco would become just the fourth African team to reach the quarter-finals -- after Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010 -- if they beat the 2010 champions.   Moroccos only other appearance in the last 16 came in 1986, when they lost 1-0 to eventual runners-up West Germany.   "I dont think we should go out with any sort of complex," said Regragui.   "Yes, were the underdog, but we know what Spain are made of and the recipe is easy. We shouldnt be worried, we should have no regrets and give the best of ourselves."

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