Walid Regragui has already gained notoriety for this kind of counterintuition, and it has the potential to further cement his place in football history. The former defender's major focus is another section of the field, even though nearly everyone has been asking the Moroccan manager what his strategy is for Kylian Mbappe.
He has been collaborating with Azzedine Ounahi on the most challenging position in the Moroccan team, as the Angers midfielder consistently targets three channels at once, in preparation for the World Cup semifinal match against France. That is exceedingly difficult to fight against and serves as one of their primary points of attack. Due to its ability to adequately confuse adversarial sides and undermine their coherence, it also serves a protective function in and of itself.
The idea is that Ounahi's mobility will cause a lot of thought in the French midfield behind Antoine Griezmann, while Morocco's backline will be completely aware of their roles. Regragui is somewhat aware that his defence will take care of itself.
This is not mean that Mbappe won't have any ideas or that everything is instinctual. The exact opposite is true. The players now have an inherent understanding of when to move and what areas to fill since Regragui has this defensive form so well rehearsed. They switch between a 4-1-4-1, a 4-4-2, and even an 8-1-1 so swiftly.
In the meantime, Sofyan Amrabat is the marshal setting things up on the field. The important thing to remember about Morocco's run is that it has developed into something more than merely technical or tactical.
The players' defensive prowess is undeniably strong, and the game plan only serves to enhance that, but all of that has been enhanced by something intangible, something that amplifies into something that is probably only seen in international competitions and perhaps only to this degree at a World Cup.
🇲🇦 Can Morocco create even more history against France?#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 14, 2022
With every block and header, centre-halves like Romain Saiss are capturing the sentiment of a whole nation. They have pushed themselves to the limit of discomfort. How many key defensive players have injury concerns demonstrates this. It appears in tales like the one about Amrabat using painkillers.
This sparked a positive feedback loop that propelled Morocco to further victories. First, there is the overall feeling. With each success, more confidence has grown, which has only strengthened a stronger conviction. We have a ton of energy, and it will motivate us, added Ragragui. and he continuously said "You can succeed if you have the drive, tenacity, and crowd's backing".
Even though it may still seem unbelievable at this point, the facts must be considered. Only one goal has been given up by Morocco, an own goal by Nayef Aguerd. They also had a run that was historically exceptional in another way.
Only one semi-finalist has allowed fewer goals during the World Cup era, which began in 1986 with the introduction of a round of 16 stages. In 1990, it was an Italy squad playing at home that had zero goals against them. Only four other teams in the same number of games have only given up once.
Since 1986, World Cup semi-finalists have had the best defensive records.
- Italy 1990: 0
- Morocco 2022: 1
- Italy 2006: 1
- Portugal 2006: 1
- Germany 2002: 1
- France 1998: 1
- Germany 2010, Uruguay 2010: 2
- Spain 2010: 2
- France 2006, Korea 2002: 2
- Croatia 1998: 2
- Argentina 1990: 2
- France 1986: 2
That is a prestigious company, and knowledge of such accomplishments only strengthens the sentiment and conviction. There are also tens of thousands of sympathizers, as seen by the large number of planes chartered in recent days, as well as the support of the whole Arab world. It's been an amazing glimpse into another football culture, so close yet often overshadowed by the Western European club game.
"The world now understands what a Moroccan fan is," Regragui said. "He's a nutcase who adores his nation and his club. Wednesday, you have at least 20,000 people, he may come to support us, and I am very delighted because the World Cup can provide an image of Moroccan supporters."
It all signifies that the squad is in that incredibly unusual environment when an aura has formed about them. It could be felt in Spain's elimination in the last 16, and it was visible against Portugal. The opposition is wondering whether Morocco would ever capitulate; whether they can penetrate.
That is a really strong phenomenon. It elicits even more from players and pushes them even further. It was spotted in 2002 in Korea. But, like that campaign, the question is how long it will last. Such emotional and physical involvement cannot last forever. There is a cap. France's player doubts - Saiss, Aguerd, Amrabat, and Noussair Mazraoui - are evidence of this.
There is also the risk that after the aura fades and the squad ultimately concedes, everything will fall apart. This is the risk of playing someone as talented as Mbappe.
He can achieve things that others cannot, which might mean that Morocco abruptly ceases doing what they have done so successfully. Mbappe, on the other hand, must find a way through.
Everyone believes we're exhausted, but you can't be exhausted during a World Cup semifinal, according to Regragui. We are enthusiastic and aspirational. We are determined to rewrite history. We want Africa to be at the top of the globe. I realize we're not the favourites. You may call me crazy, but a little wildness is nice. We still desire to advance. This aim is backed by some strong evidence. It isn't insane. Morocco's World Cup campaign has been marked by a distinct mindset.
