The Glory of the Moroccan National Team at the Qatar World Cup

About the Team

The Moroccan national football team, also known as the Atlas Lions, represents Morocco in international football competitions. The team is managed by Hervé Renard and has been playing since 1955. The team has had several successes in the past, including winning the African Cup of Nations in 1976 and participating in the World Cup five times.

The Journey to the World Cup

The Moroccan team had to go through a series of qualifying matches to secure their spot in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The team played several matches against other African teams and finished on top of their group. They then went on to play a two-legged playoff against the Ivory Coast, where they won 2-0 on aggregate and secured their place in the World Cup.

Match Highlights

The Moroccan national team had an impressive performance at the 2022 World Cup, finishing at the top of their group and making it to the quarter-finals. The team won their opening match against Saudi Arabia 2-0, with goals from Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri. They then went on to beat Portugal 1-0, with a goal from Nordin Amrabat. Their final group match against Iran ended in a 1-1 draw, with a goal from Aziz Bouhaddouz.

In the knockout stages, Morocco faced off against Australia and won 3-1, with goals from Youssef En-Nesyri, Hakim Ziyech, and Achraf Hakimi. They then went on to play Spain in the quarter-finals, where they narrowly lost 1-0.

Awards and Recognitions

The Moroccan national team has received several awards and recognitions throughout its history. In 1986, the team won the Fair Play Award at the FIFA World Cup in Mexico. In 2018, Morocco was awarded the title of National Team of the Year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Many Moroccan players have also received individual awards for their outstanding performances on the field. Notable examples include:

• Larbi Ben Barek: In 1998, Ben Barek was named the best African footballer of the 20th century by the CAF.
• Mehdi Benatia: Benatia was named African Footballer of the Year in 2014.
• Hakim Ziyech: Ziyech was named Dutch Footballer of the Year in both 2018 and 2019.

Conclusion

The Moroccan national football team has a rich history of success and achievement, both on and off the field. With a dedicated fan base and talented players, the team is poised to continue making a mark on the international football stage for years to come.