From the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, where the presence of Diego Maradona eclipsed everything, seniors can remember the team in red and green colors. There is a lot of talent, but the restless Moroccans did not succeed, bending over the disciplined Germans in the 1/8 finals with a goal by Lothar Matthews in the 87th minute. In the groups they finished first, ahead of England, Poland and Portugal.

Thirty-six years later, at the World Championships in Qatar, the North Africans also corrected their main flaw. With a different mindset and “granite” protection, they look capable of anything.

Greek coach, mr. Yannis Petrakiswho in the teams he coached (OFI, Ergotelis, Asteras Tr., PAS Janina, Ionikos, Apollon Sm.) preferred the defensive function, sees in the Moroccans a team that reveals rare characteristics on grass.

“The way they play defense is admirable. They are very good at it and, of course, this is largely due to the individual abilities of his wards. I think that full-backs Hakimi and Mazrawi are among the best in the tournament at the moment. Concentrated, with rare technical training, when the team attacks, they do not neglect defensive duties, they quickly return, leaving no empty places. However, in the match against Spain, I was very impressed by the central defenders Agger and Sais. Fast, flexible, with an excellent physique, they instantly cover the opponent, and in set positions they advance in search of the gate. They are disciplined in the way they are meant to serve and they do it consistently, which is why they only conceded one goal in the competition.” accent on “k” 63 year old trainer.

Morocco chose to play with four in defense and 4-3-3 in all their games. “Formation no longer forces a team to play defense or attack in modern football. Now we are dealing with instrumental players who are more athletes. Morocco is the result of complex work that starts with the coach and is applied responsibly on the pitch. For example, Amrabad in the role of “cutter” is simply incredible. If you look at his statistics in the match with Spain, he was the “breakwater” of the opponent’s attackers. Without committing a single foul, he won all the duels in the center, while he had very few errors in passes.

Goalkeeper position

At the 1986 World Cup, Ezaki Badu, or “Zaki” as he was nicknamed, stood under the Moroccan gates. The player-symbol of the Moroccan national team, the best African goalkeeper of the 20th century. Current goalkeeper Yasin Bunou or Bono seems to be following in his footsteps. “Morocco has a tradition of good goalkeepers. I also remember cases that also came to Greece. Now this specific position is connected not only with the defensive function, but also with the overall development of the team,” says Giannis Petrakis and continues: “Football has become faster and goalkeepers must have the speed of thought and reaction in relation to the past, where the emphasis was on their physical characteristics”.