By Abdulrahman Yahaya
Coach of the Moroccan national football team, Mohamed Ouahbi, says his team has earned respect after Morocco edged the Netherlands 2-3 on penalty shootouts in their round 32 clash on Monday.
The Africans came out top in the penalty shootouts after a 1-1 draw in Monterrey, Mexico, setting up a round of 16 clash against co-hosts Canada.
Speaking after the game, Morocco Coach Mohamed Ouahbi said his team has done enough on the pitch to earn respect.
“Morocco has gained everybody’s respect now. It’s not because of what we’ve said. We’ve now shown it.”
Ouahbi added that his players were driven by the support of Moroccans both at the stadium and at home.
“This team, and all the Moroccan youth teams, are fighting for much, much more than just football or simply winning a match,” Ouahbi said.
“They know that behind them there are millions and millions of people. We played when it was two in the morning in Morocco and we’re certain that most people stayed awake.
“That gives you the energy not to give up, to keep going and to believe in yourself,” he added.
The coach, who had led the Moroccan under-20 team to success before stepping up to replace Walid Regragui, believes his side can defeat Canada in round of 16.
However, he warned that they must not be complacent.
“Nobody can stop us if we play the football we know how to play. But nobody is unbeatable. If we get things wrong, we’ll go home.”
NAN reports that Morocco will play co-host Canada in the round of 16 on Saturday at the Houston Stadium, Texas.(Reuters/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh