Walid Regragui was aggressively patted on the head by his teammates as he stood in the middle of a team huddle. Then, as if they had already won the World Cup, they flung their coach into the air.
Morocco reaches last 16 of World Cup
With a 2-1 victory over Canada on Thursday, Regragui—who has been an international coach for just three months—led Morocco into the round of 16 for just the second time in the country’s history. It ensured Morocco will finish first in Group F, ahead of the 2018 finalist Croatia and the semifinalist Belgium. More victories than any other Moroccan team at a single World Cup have now been achieved by Regragui’s group.
Also Read: Cameroon 3-3 Serbia, Thrilling six-goal draw
When the Moroccan soccer federation took a chance on the 47-year-old Regragui by giving him his first position in charge of a national team in August, no one thought it was likely. The result was historic. Moroccan history dates back about 50 or 60 years. In just a few weeks, we completed it, Regragui stated.
Also Read: Spain vs Germany Thriller Ends in a Tie
Morocco has now won twice in Qatar, shocking Kevin de Bruyne and No. 2 ranked Belgium before defeating Canada at Al Thumama Stadium. This total equals the number of victories the nation had in all of its previous World Cup appearances combined. In order to remain unblemished, Morocco also drew its opening match with Croatia.
Also Read: Iran 0-1 USA