QATAR 2022: The Last Arab Ghazi Repeats History And Sets New Record -By Batolu Omokafe

Morocco extends the Arab world stay in the World Cup Competition to the quarter final for the first time in history. Morocco won Spain on penalties as both teams could not get a goal after 120 minutes of their match at the education city stadium in Qatar. In 2018 both teams also ended in 2-2 draw at the group stage but Atlas Lions had to return to their den since they had earlier lost two matches to Iran and Portugal.

Morocco’s qualifier to the quarter final consolidates Qatar huge spending of over $200 billion in hosting the World Cup. With all other Arab nations evicted in the group stage of the competition Morocco runs into a quarter final match to face Portugal with the Arab world hopes high.

Ala’a Abu-Spetani, a Palastinian American tweeted in celebration to the win feeling overwhelmed with emotions. “Morocco’s win is HUGE not only for them, but for the entire Arab and Muslim world that is constantly demonized, disparaged, and underestimated.”

Egypt Minister of International cooperation, Rania A. Al Mashat also on twitter congratulated Morocco for becoming the first Arab country to reach the WorldCup quarter finals. She commented, “We are PROUD of you!”

Morocco also becomes the First African Nation to qualify to the quarter final stage of the competition with an African as head coach.

Walid Regragui played for Toulouse Ajaccio, Dijon and Grenoble and Racing Santander internationally. He was Atlas Lions right back in the 2004 African Cup of Nations final match against Tunisia that ended 2-1 in favour of Tunisia. The Paris born led Wydad Casablanca as head coach to win the Africans Champions league title against Al-Ahly triumphantly and also won the Moroccan league title. He has coached FUS Rabat and Qatari club Al-Duhail.

He became head coach of the Atlas Lions in August few weeks to Qatar 2022 after Bosnian-French coach Vahid Halilhodzic was relieved of his duty due to some controversial issues with players and poor performance allegations.

Walid Regragui was named a ‘hero coach’ by FIFA due to what the body called “magic formula and an effective game plan”. Walid’s ability to build existing cracks in the team to achieve the so far incredible performance in this World Cup Competition.

Morocco however became the fourth African nation to reach a World Cup final and the first to have one goal conceded in the competition. Morocco is the last African nation in the Qatar 2022 competition amidst 2 South American nations and 5 European nations with all nations from Asia and North America evicted so far.

Morocco’s victory also aggravated Spain’s poor performance in penalties during the World Cup Competitions.