Holland the Last Victim.. How Did Morocco Become a "Nightmare" for Europe's Giants?

SadaNews - Match after match, the Moroccan national team proves that it is on the right path to establish itself as one of the strongest teams not only in Africa but also in the world, with the results from the last two World Cups serving as clear evidence.

The "Atlas Lions" reached the Round of 16 in the current World Cup edition after their thrilling victory over Holland in penalties 3-2, following a match that ended in a 1-1 draw after regulation and extra time.

The match against Holland is Morocco's eighth against a European team in the last two World Cups, specifically in Qatar 2022 and the current edition being held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Morocco's results against European teams in the last two World Cups:

Morocco 0-0 Croatia (Group Stage first round of World Cup 2022).

Morocco 2-0 Belgium (Group Stage second round of World Cup 2022).

Morocco 0-0 Spain followed by a win on penalties 3-0 (Round of 16 of World Cup 2022).

Morocco 1-0 Portugal (Quarterfinals of World Cup 2022).

Morocco 0-2 France (Semifinals of World Cup 2022).

Morocco 1-2 Croatia (Third and Fourth Place Match of World Cup 2022).

Morocco 1-0 Scotland (Group Stage second round of World Cup 2026).

Morocco 1-1 Holland followed by a win on penalties 3-2 (Round of 32 of World Cup 2026).

The Differences Have Disappeared

It can be said from these results that the Moroccan national team has indeed transformed from merely a team that aspired to participate in major championships into one that instills fear in the top national teams worldwide, not just in Europe.

Talking about Morocco defeating a European team is no longer regarded as a "surprise"; instead, it has become a reality through which the team has proven that historical and technical differences are indeed fading away.

In the current World Cup edition, the Moroccan team came very close to winning against Brazil in the first round of the group stage. However, its players missed numerous opportunities, especially in the first half, that could have secured the three points in a match that ended in a 1-1 draw.

These results did not come from nowhere; they are the result of diligent work and planning that has lasted for years to build a strong team, relying on a mix of local players and others who play professionally in the top leagues of the old continent.

The Moroccan national team aspires to win the World Cup, as confirmed by its coach Mohammed Wahbi in previous statements. However, before that, it must now overcome another obstacle in the Round of 16.

The "Atlas Lions" will face the Canadian team in the Round of 16 at the Houston Stadium on Saturday, July 4, at 20:00 Mecca and Doha time.

Source: Al Jazeera