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Rabat – Belgian coach Roberto Martinez expects the game between Morocco and Belgium in Group F of the FIFA World Cup to be a “big football derby.”
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Martinez stated that the game would highlight the “links” between the two countries, adding these ties trace back to the “very strong community of Moroccan people in Belgium.”
“Unless you are Belgian you do not understand the story but there is a strong link,” the coach said, explaining that “there are up to five or six players [in the Moroccan squad] who were born in Belgium and that creates an even stronger link.”
Martinez went on to add that the ties extend to the staff as well. “Even staff members have been with both federations,” he commented.
In September, Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui revealed the list of the 32 players that are expected to represent the North African country in the upcoming competition.
The list included Moroccan-born players as well as other team members born and raised in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Four of them come from Belgium; Samy Mmaee, Ryan Mmaee, Ilias Chair, and Selim Amallah.
Read Also: Football Talent Ilias Sebaoui Decides to Represent Morocco Over Belgium
The Moroccan squad is set to meet fierce competition from Group F teams Belgium, Croatia, and Canada.
The Atlas Lions’ game with Belgium is expected to be the toughest match given that Belgium currently ranks second worldwide while Morocco occupies the 22nd position in FIFA’s recent ranking for men’s football.
Croatia, the runner-up of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, ranks as the second-best team in the group. The Vatreni ranks as the world’s 12th-best team.
The Croatian squad is led by seasoned player and captain Luka Modric, who is likely to put added pressure on the Atlas Lions.
As for Canada, Morocco has a higher chance of winning the game against the Reds since they ranked 41st globally. However, the team secured significant victories against the US and Mexico in the qualifiers.
With only 20 days until the much-anticipated FIFA World Cup, the pressure is mounting and football fans will soon leave their respective countries to support their national teams.
Although Moroccan fans have high expectations with new coach Regragui helming the team, many remain wary of the group’s competitiveness.
