Morocco faces worst defeat in 22 years: “They have the most critical fans in the world” | football

Not a good night’s sleep for those who watched the friendly game between the US and Morocco last night. Not only did the start time hurt (half past two in the morning), the result will also have hit hard for Moroccan football fans. It was 3-0 for the Americans. Immediately the heaviest loss for Morocco in 22 years.

In 2000, Morocco lost 1-5 in a friendly game in Casablanca against the France of Zidane and Henry. A month later, the French would win the European Championship. The chances of the US facing such success seem slim. The disappointment of Moroccan football fans is therefore all the greater.

“It’s a friendly match, so losing is part of it,” says Abdel Fatah Qisse. “What makes this loss so painful is the way the team played. You could see from everything that the interest and intensity was much higher with the Americans.”

“In the US, the MLS is still in full swing, so some of the Americans appear much fresher. You should also not forget that Morocco still played the Africa Cup in January. Some players were really on their gums.”

Still, Morocco’s game was not bad according to Fatah Qisse.

“They created quite a few chances, but they lacked the finish. Tissoudali played a strong match, but he is not killer for purpose. This team just lacks effectiveness. The missed penalty by Selim Amallah (Standard Liège) is also indicative of that.”

The stadium in Cincinatti yesterday was largely filled with Moroccan supporters who came from all over the US and Canada. According to Fatah Qisse, the passion with which the Moroccan public experiences football is inimitable.

“We are the most critical football fans in the world, but can also be a huge boost for the team. Just look at the scenes in the stadium during a match between Raja Casablanca and Wydad.”

The Moroccan public clearly had an influence on Chelsea star Pulisic as well. Despite the win, he could not hide his disappointment at the turnout of the American fans. “To be honest, I’m not happy with the number of Americans who were here in the stadium,” said the American tastemaker.

“Since yesterday, the critical side of the Moroccan public has again taken the upper hand on social media,” continues Fatah Qisse.

“There are massive calls to dismiss national coach Vahid Halilhodzic. His feud with star player Ziyech (who does not want to play under Halihdozic, ed.) is not thanked by the fans. It is actually a ticking time bomb, but the association does not want him let go just before the World Cup.”

This fall, the Moroccans will face Kevin De Bruyne, Luka Modric and Jonathan David in Qatar. A difficult story?

“It is a very difficult group. Belgium and Croatia are very experienced and Canada plays very frivolous. The Red Devils seem to me the big favorite for group victory. If we want to push through, we will have to get a result against Croatia, limit the damage against Belgium and win against Canada.”

“It will certainly be difficult. I think there are a few ways to tactically hurt Morocco, but I prefer not to reveal them (laughs† An asset for Morocco: Moussa El Habchi. Formerly a video analyst at Belgium under Roberto Martinez, now working at Morocco. Hopefully his knowledge of the Red Devils will come in handy at the World Cup.”