FIFA Hails Morocco's Head Coach Regragui as ‘Hero’

Rabat- FIFA has named Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui a “hero”– a component of the “magic formula” which led to Morocco’s historic qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2022 round of 16.

Prior to Regarui’s appointment as Morocco’s head coach in August, the national team was led by Bosnian-French coach Vahid Halilhodzic, who was blamed for the Atlas Lions’ poor performance despite qualifying for the World Cup.

The Bosnian coach had lingering feuds with a number of key players, including Hakim Ziyech and Noussair Mazraoui, leading to their exclusion from the Moroccan squad.

Regragui’s appointment and Halilhodzic’s dismissal by Morocco’s Royal Football Federation (FRMF) were deemed “the right decision at the right time” by FIFA.

FIFA described Regragui as “Morocco’s hero at Qatar 2022,” noting that he executed “an effective game plan”, got the team’s “balance right”, in a very short period of time.

The global football body’s statement added that he “united everyone, brought stability to the dressing room and repaired the cracks in the team that had formed prior to his arrival.”

The players

The Atlas Lions qualified for the knockout phase for the first time in 36 years. Their participation in the global tournament was marked by a goalless draw with Croatia and victories over Belgium (2-0) and Canada (2-1).

FIFA emphasized the development of Moroccan players and improved performance over the years.

The soccer world ‘s governing body stated that “the core of the team today includes five or six players, including Yassine Bounou, Hakim Ziyech, Achraf Hakimi, and Sofyan Amrabat.”

Moroccan footballer Hakim Ziyech was awarded the Man of the Match trophy following Morocco’s victory over Belgium, while Achraf Hakimi was named man of the match following Morocco’s win against Canada.

Moroccan Fans

Morocco’s victory was widely celebrated in Moroccan streets, cafes, and Moroccan communities worldwide. Morrocans flock to streets wearing national team jerseys and waving Moroccan flags, shouting and chanting to express their joy.