(MENAFN- Morocco World News) Rabat – This summer, between June 14-July 15, 32 nations will gather in Russia to take part in football's most viewed and most celebrated tournament. , after two decades of absence from this crucial gathering of national teams, will be part of this highest footballing Mass, with a daunting task of taking on and braving two of world football's most respected squads.
With Spain and Portugal in Morocco's group, some observers are nonetheless confident that the Atlas Lions can deliver a surprising performance in Russia, with Mexican daily Losandes Mas Desportes even saying with assurance that the Atlas Lions will not be eliminated in the group phase.
Mas Desportes' report is an echo to
For Mas Desportes, Morocco has a squad that can ably compete with any side in Russia. The Mexican daily, in its analysis of the potentials and strengths of the Moroccan squad, mentioned the technical prowess and managerial talent of Morocco's Hervé Renard, as well as Juventus' Benatia's indisputable positive impact on Morocco's defensive fortress.
'The French technician has become a specialist of African squads. He has what it takes to lead his side very far in the tournament. Mehdi Benatia, the cornerstone of Morocco's defense, who has played with AS Roma, Bayern and Juventus, is a player to trust,' Mas Desportes wrote.
The Mexican daily also said that given that the tactical experience of Hervé Renard–whom they called 'the white wizard'–and the footballing discipline of players such as Amrabat, Diar, Mbark Boussoufla, among others, Moroccans can expect their national team to ace the group phase and make it to the next round.
Mas Desportes underlined the rebirth or renaissance that Morocco's national sport has recently experienced, especially referring to the local lions' spectacular triumph during CHAN 2018. 'This success has given them the hope and motivation they needed to compete in Russia,' the daily wrote, adding that the Atlas Lions have no intention of being 'mere guests' at the tournament.
Moroccan squads were brilliant in the 1986 and 1998 editions, says Mas Desportes, concluding that Hervé Renard's boys can be expected to be even more brilliant than their elders.
'The Atlas Lions gave a bad time to England and defeated Portugal in Mexico in 1986. They played in Mexico as though on their home pitch,' Mas Desportes concluded, as it referred to Morocco's sensational display at the 1986 FIFA World Cup.
MENAFN2302201801600000ID1096507848
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.