K. TeyaRegragui: We can win the World Cup
.jpg)
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 03.04.23. | 09:49
The Atlas Lions became the first African nation to reach the World Cup semis.
Morocco national team coach Walid Regragui believes his team can win the world cup next time after their historic Qatari run in 2022.
The Atlas Lions defied the odds to reach the semifinals of the title that was won by Argentina. On their way to the title, they beat 2010 winners Spain and Portugal before succumbing to France in the last four. They lost the third-place playoff to Croatia.
Were it not for a fallout between Franco-Bosnian Vahid Halilhodzic and the Moroccan football federation, Regragui may not have been handed the team. Halilhodzic, who was in charge during the qualifiers, left after a difference in opinion over preparations for the global tournament.
Asked whether he believes that the North African nation can become the first nation from the continent to win the World Cup, the tactician exuded confidence that they can bag it should they get adequate support from all stakeholders.
"With your trust and support, we will achieve this. Next time, inshallah, we do it," he said after being named the ‘ Best Arab and International Manager’ during an award ceremony organized by Sky News Arabia on Sunday.
During the award ceremony, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) won the best federation award, while the Atlas Lions were named the best team.
🇲🇦🤝⚽ El INSIDE de Walid Regragui, seleccionador de Marruecos, en nuestro entrenamiento de ayer.#ClubWC pic.twitter.com/tcGYtehiye
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) February 8, 2023
In an earlier interview, he reiterated the importance of first conquering the continent before thinking about bagging the world cup title. The tactician was speaking after beating Brazil in an international friendly match played in Morocco nine days ago.
"I told my players that we cannot be kings of the world before being kings of our continent." "You know it means a lot for us to beat Brazil, the top team in the Fifa ranking, and the country of football," he stated.
"This is the month of Ramadan; we have to go and pray Tarawih to confirm if it's true or not. Now we are going to celebrate, but there's a long way to go. We must not get on fire."
.jpg)
