Formed in the quarry of boat and when passing by spanish Y Osasunaamong others, Mohammed El Yaagoubi (Taourirt, September 12, 1977), better known as Wow, made 33 internationals with Morocco. He hung up his boots a few years ago, although he is still linked to football by training with the youth team of AE Sant Lluis, in Santa Coloma de Cervelló, and will live this afternoon in Morocco-Spain with intensity .
What is your prognosis?
I think they are two very similar teams. Because of the joint capabilities, Spain is superior, but it is also true that Morocco is better without the ball. The game starts at 0-0 and I really see it as 50-50.
Who do you want to win?
Who deserves it. If Morocco, great, but also if in Spain, because I grew up and I live here. What I want is to see a good game. If Morocco loses, I want to be happy to see that Morocco played its best game in the World Cup. Most of all I want it to be a good show.
What kind of match are you expecting?
In Russia 2018 we already saw a rivalry between Morocco and Spain and it was fun, with chances to score and very close. This time there is a lot more at stake, and I expect a similar game, but I want to see a brave, courageous and pressing Morocco, because they have a lot of talent up front. Spain always come out with the same intention to dominate, and it remains to be seen if Morocco will go for the game from the start or wait for their counterattack opportunities.
Regragui came into office just three months ago and put the team in the round of 16. It has a lot of merit.
He managed to get all the players involved in the same idea. Together they fight to achieve what the technician suggests. Which is ultimately very important for any team or selection.
How is Morocco playing?
In the three stages of group matches the strategy is the same. Morocco tries to get the ball back and then thanks to the quality of their players they try to score as quickly as possible.
What is your biggest risk?
The right band. Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech are two mainstays, important for the team. They both have great talent. On the left, Sofiane Boufal is good, but Mazraoui (the full-back) doesn’t attack much and it shows.
So, do you think it’s part of Regragui’s plan to find the back of Jordi Alba/Balde?
This is a possibility. Jordi Alba is very offensive. Because of how Spain play, putting the opposition in their field, spaces are created behind their full-backs. But those situations are only taken advantage of if you heal. Otherwise, it’s more complicated. What Japan did, recovering away and having to set up counterattacks from 80 meters, was very difficult.
Other than Achraf and Ziyech, who would you highlight on an individual level?
There are quality players like them, Boufal and En-Nesyri, among others, but what I would highlight is the team. They are good players, but a great capacity for sacrifice in the service of the team. They are all playing together, fighting for the same goal, and that is very important.
And what about defense?
The two center backs, Aguerd and Saïss, are in a state of grace. They understand each other and that is very important. And they were joined by midfielder Sofyan Amrabat. The three constitute a very important asset for Morocco. When Achraf and Mazraoui (the full-backs) go up, they try to minimize the damage the other team can do.
Does Amrabat seem to be one of the great revelations of the tournament?
Yes, he covers a lot of holes and later on the ball he has very good judgement. Play with ease and always choose the best option. This is a very important piece in the Regragui scheme. And the interiors, Ounahi and Amallah, also do an enviable job.
Are we facing the best Morocco in history?
I don’t know, but there is a lot of quality in the squad and there is good communion between the players and the coaching staff.
How do you see Spain?
I think they are a real team in themselves. I saw the same mentality in all three games regardless of the result. This is a young team, with room for improvement, but very solid and with a very clear idea of the game. This is not a team that will lock itself in hoping to get out on the counterattack, although at certain moments in a game that situation can occur.
Who will win the World Cup?
It’s very difficult to say, but I expect good football to be seen in the rest of the tournament
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
