Whole of Africa behind Morocco at World Cup: Regragui
DOHA: Morocco will have the backing of an entire continent when they attempt to become Africa's first World Cup semi-finalists by beating Portugal on Saturday (Dec 10), said coach Walid Regragui.
Walid Regragui Sport News
Ronaldo, Portugal look to end Morocco’s World Cup run
DOHA: These really are pinch-yourself times for Morocco: A first-ever spot in the quarterfinals of a World Cup — the first to take place in the Arab world, no less — and now a meeting with Portugal and their superstar striker, Cristiano Ronaldo. Well, maybe. Because Ronaldo has again managed to steal the spotlight in his inimitable way, even bumping Morocco’s historic run to the last eight off the top of the agenda before Saturday’s narrative-laden match.
Regragui breaking new World Cup ground for African coaches
Morocco boss Walid Regragui became the first ever African coach to take a team into the World Cup quarter-finals when his side beat Spain on penalties, despite only taking over the reins in August.
Portugal young gun Ramos faces tough test from wily Saiss
DOHA : Portugal coach Fernando Santos put his faith in Goncalo Ramos when he started him against Switzerland, and the young striker responded by scoring a hat-trick and leading them to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2006.
Morocco’s ‘avocado head’ has World Cup team daring to dream
DOHA: Thanks to Walid Regragui, the coach who has made Morocco the first Arab nation to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, avocados may just be the nation's favourite fruit.
'I'm not a magician': Morocco coach Regragui says plan was to let Spain have the ball
Morocco coach Walid Regragui said his plan was to let Spain have the ball after his side's dramatic penalty shootout win in their World Cup last-16 match on Tuesday.
Morocco's Atlas Lions march on at World Cup with help of 'Red Army'
AL RAYYAN, Qatar: Morocco supporters flooded into Doha on Tuesday (Dec 6) for the team's last-16 World Cup showdown with Spain and the Atlas Lions made the trip worthwhile as they roared into the quarter-finals for the first time with a 3-0 penalty shootout win.
Ronaldo eyes World Cup quarters as Morocco dare to dream
DOHA: Cristiano Ronaldo will aim to fire Portugal past Switzerland and into the World Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday as Morocco bid to derail Spain’s bid for a second global crown. Just two last-eight slots remain to be filled in Qatar after five-time winners Brazil swatted aside South Korea 4-1 and 2018 finalists Croatia squeezed past Japan via a penalty shoot-out. Ronaldo was hogging the headlines at the tournament even before he kicked a ball after launching a tirade against Manchester United and their manager Erik ten Hag. Following an exit by “mutual agreement” he is now seeking a new team, with sources saying he is in talks over a blockbuster deal with Saudi club Al-Nassr. The 37-year-old superstar forward, who is appearing in what is almost certainly his last World Cup, has been a shadow of his former self in Qatar despite all the hype. After scoring a penalty in his team’s opening clash against Ghana to become the first player to score at five World Cups, he has huffed and puffed but has failed to find the net again. Ronaldo’s starting role in the team remains a hot topic among Portugal fans, but coach Fernando Santos said he was not paying attention to the raging debate. “I do not read this type of material,” he said. “It is not a lack of respect, it is simply that we have three days to train for a game and I am not looking at other kinds of news. We focus on the upcoming match.” Santos said he expected a close contest against Switzerland. Portugal beat the Swiss 4-0 in the UEFA Nations League in June before losing 1-0 in the reverse fixture.