Hearts swing in French hometown of Morocco coach Regragui
CORBEIL-ESSONNES, France : Ahead of the World Cup semi-final between Morocco and France, Hichem Sayadi is feeling torn by divided loyalties.
Belgium Sport News
Soccer moves centre stage in Qatar, dimming World Cup controversies
DOHA : As the World Cup reaches a climax in Qatar, drama on the pitch has partially eclipsed human rights controversies that dogged the Gulf Arab state since it was first chosen to host the competition 12 years ago.
Moroccan flags fly around Arab World in mark of World Cup pride
TUNIS : The flags, team jerseys and billboards with players are on full display in Rabat ahead of Morocco's World Cup semi-final against France on Wednesday, but the team will have support much farther afield as the first Arab or African side to get that far.
France v Morocco: Keys to World Cup semifinal
DOHA: World Cup holders France face Africa’s first-ever semifinalists Morocco in Wednesday’s last-four clash in Qatar. AFP Sport looks at some of the keys to the game. - Rock-solid Morocco - Morocco have conceded just one goal in the entire tournament — an own goal in their 2-1 win over Canada in the group stage — with Croatia, Belgium, Spain and Portugal all failing to breach a rock-solid back line.
France wary of Morocco threat, preparing for wall of noise in semi-final
DOHA : France will go into Wednesday's World Cup semi-final against Morocco with the utmost respect for their giant-killing opponents as the defending champions prepare for a hostile reception from the Maghreb side's supporters on Wednesday.
Morocco boss Regragui wants to 'change mindset' in Africa
Walid Regragui says Morocco will fight to achieve their "crazy" dream of a place in the World Cup final. Morocco have already made history as the first African team to reach the last four, having stunned Belgium, Spain and Portugal along the way. On Wednesday the Atlas Lions face the ultimate test against reigning world champions France, but coach Regragui insists they are not satisfied with a place in the semi-finals. "The further you get, the more difficult the games are. We are playing the world champions with world-class players and a very good coach, possibly the best in the world," he said. "But we will show great desire and try to pull off an upset. Why not reach the final of the World Cup? "We've come to this competition to change mindsets within our continent. If we say the semi-final is enough, I don't agree. "We aren't satisfied with the semi-final and being the first African team to do that. We want to go further. "Its's a knock-out game and when you have desire, commitment and the support of the crowd, you can win it. "We have beaten some top sides. Before every match people thought we would get knocked out but we are still here. We are getting closer to our dreams and we will fight to get there. "We are one of the four best teams in the world now and we want to reach the final. The best team, Brazil, is already knocked out. "We are hungry. I don't know if it will be enough but we want Africa to be on top of the world. I know we are not favourites but we are confident. "You might think that's crazy, but a bit of craziness is good."
Ronnie O'Sullivan edges past Ben Mertens to reach English Open second round
Ronnie O’Sullivan is through to the second round of the BetVictor English Open after seeing off 18-year-old Belgian Ben Mertens 4-3 in Brentwood.
Kevin Doyle: Ireland can take inspiration from Morocco
Former Republic of Ireland striker Kevin Doyle believes the Boys in Green can take plenty of lessons from the way in which Morocco have performed at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.