Morocco’s star performers in Qatar

When Morocco plays France in the World Cup semifinal on Wednesday, it will be the biggest game in their history.

They’ve done fantastically well to get this far and get to this point in the competition—the first time an African country has entered the final four—but they’re not done yet, and they still have hopes of making it to the final.

The following five players will be crucial for them against the French, albeit some may be sidelined due to injury.

YASSINE BOUNOU

The goalkeeper was excellent throughout the competition and saved two penalties in the shootout victory over Spain in the round of 16.

In nearly eight hours of football in Qatar, he has only ever been defeated once—by an own goal. No opponent has yet to score against him.

The Canadian-born Sevilla goalie missed Belgium’s victory in the group stages because he felt lightheaded soon before the game began, but he was outstanding in all of their other matches.

ACHRAF HAKIMI

With five superb performances, the right-back has lived up to his reputation this tournament as a defender and a crucial offensive weapon on the counterattack.

We haven’t seen his skill from free kicks yet, but he has a history of scoring some belters and will be a genuine threat if given a sight of goal from a set-piece.

The 24-year-old, a player for Paris St. Germain, was born in Spain and has played in the Champions League. He is one of the top people in the world in his field and a nice customer.

NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI

Similar to Hakimi, the full-back for Bayern Munich plays on the left but is actually right-footed. He is an important defensive and offensive option for Morocco. He switched sides so they could both be on the same squad.

Injury prevented him from playing against Portugal in the quarterfinals, so there will be a rush to get him healthy before the French match.

Due to the fact that he was raised in the Netherlands and spent several years at Ajax Amsterdam, Mazraoui possesses all the necessary technical capabilities and legal acumen.

When on the field, Mazraoui has been a rock for the team in Qatar, and he could be crucial to their hopes in the next round.

SOFYAN AMRABAT

The defensive midfielder has been one of the competition’s biggest surprises thus far and has garnered the attention of other elite clubs in Europe.

He was born in the Netherlands and currently plays for Serie A team Fiorentina, but he has a good chance of moving on to a better club at the end of the current campaign.

The 26-year-ability old’s to cover his defense well and appear to be everywhere on the field has been a key component of Morocco’s game plan. Allow the opposition to possess the ball, restrict them from scoring, and then attack them on the counter.

It’s difficult to think of another player who has done more to improve their reputation among fans in Qatar.

HAKIM ZIYECH

Since his comeback to the national team from a self-imposed exile, Ziyech has been a revelation and seems to be enjoying the new administration led by Walid Regragui.

Ziyech will die for you if you show him love, the coach said earlier in the competition, and it definitely seems that way given that the playmaker has broken down barriers for the team.

He possesses good ball skills, a sharp football mind, and the ability to maximize the limited possession Morocco will likely have against Portugal. The Chelsea player has the potential to win his team a game.

But he is also dealing with an injury after being substituted against Portugal, so they will be scrambling to get him healthy in time for the semifinals. He will be capable of meeting the challenge, without a doubt.

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