Morocco hopes to end France FIFA World Cup their status backfired, playmaker Ismael Saibari was ruled out of Thursday’s blockbuster quarter-final due to a hip injury.The head coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, confirmed on the eve of the competition that the star of PSV Eindhoven failed to recover from the injury during Morocco’s 3-0 Round of 16 victory against Canada, robbing the Atlas Lions of one of the most interesting players in the main game of their campaign.They are not ready but I hope this is not the end of the race,” Ouahbi told reporters.Saibari proved to be one of Morocco’s best performers at the tournament, scoring in all three group games before converting the final decision in a shootout victory over the Netherlands in the Round of 32. His absence has left a huge hole in Morocco’s attack as they attempt to upset the two-time World Cup finalists and reach the World Cup semi-finals for the second time in a row.
Ouahbi refuses to change Morocco’s course
Despite losing one of his most important weapons, Ouahbi insisted that Morocco will not abandon the style of play that has taken them to the last eight.“When it comes to preparing for the game, there will be no surprises. I have nothing to hide. I am not a person who is interested in surprises, and those of you who have analyzed our games, know that we have a clear idea of how we want to play,” he said.The Moroccan coach has insisted that patience in living and smart movement should be key to Didier Deschamps’ game.“Of course, the key will be to hurt them when we have them, but not only on the wings, we have to be calm with the ball, but also to find where we can pass on the side or in the middle. We have shown that we can hurt any team, that is the goal,” he added.The quarter-final is a repeat of the 2022 World Cup final, where France ended Morocco’s historic record with a 2-0 victory. However, Ouahbi believes that both groups have changed a lot since then.“Every game is different. We have a different team, and we will face a different French team than four years ago,” he said.Rejecting the notion that just reaching the quarter-finals should satisfy his players, Ouahbi added: “France may be good, but we will do everything we can to win. Being on this stage is not a bonus. The bonus is winning the World Cup. “
France is looking for another World Cup run
France enter the clash in Foxborough with a perfect five-game winning streak and are chasing a third consecutive FIFA World Cup semi-final appearance. Kylian Mbappe lead with seven goals, right Ousmane DembeleMichael Olise and Bradley Barcola completed the offensive attack.Deschamps warned not to underestimate Morocco despite Saibari’s absence.“We met them four years ago in the semifinal. They are a good, very good team with great people. They didn’t come to play. They are there to win,” he said.The French coach also dismissed concerns about Mbappe’s foreign affairs, insisting, “Kylian is fine… he is just looking at tomorrow’s game.”Morocco, unbeaten in 10 games since January’s Africa Cup of Nations final, are still looking for a first win in France after losing four and drawing twice in their last six meetings. The winners will face either Spain or Belgium in the semi-finals.
