“Morocco in the semi-finals is no surprise to me. I had already said to various media before the tournament that Morocco should not be underestimated,” says Tom Saintfiet.
Saintfiet is the national coach of the Gambia and in the past also had Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and Malawi under his wing. He knows the African and Moroccan playing style like no other.
“I had also tipped Senegal as a possible semi-finalist before the tournament. Cameroon also has an excellent team.”
“But both countries all opted for their own strategy at this World Cup. They started from their own strength, which is often not realistic at the World Cup.”
That is where the big difference with Morocco lies. “National coach Walid Regragui plays counter football from a defensive concept.”
“With that system, Morocco can beat anyone. If Morocco didn’t play like that, it wouldn’t be in the semi-finals.”
It is to the credit of national coach Regragui that Morocco uses and maintains that strategy. “African teams like to play creative and free football.”
“Regragui has caused a switch in the heads of the players to remain a certain system. If you often win with that tactic, it is easier to follow the national coach.”
National coach Walid Regragui is the brain behind Morocco’s game system.
“Mbappé needs space, which Morocco does not give”
In addition to the successful tactics, Saintfiet also sees the multiculturalism within the Moroccan team as a source of success.
“14 of the 26 players called up were born in Europe. The team consists of players from different cultures and training institutes from Spain, France, Belgium and Morocco itself. Those players all bring something news in the group.”
“That is a phenomenon that you do not only see in Morocco. Our Red Devils have also benefited a bit from the fact that they have a multicultural group.”
Morocco has a multicultural team, something the Red Devils have also benefited a bit from
Can Morocco hope for more than the semi-finals? “On paper, Morocco has no chance against France on Wednesday, which is the huge favorite to become world champion with such a team,” says Saintfiet.
“On the other hand, I think France will have a lot of difficulties. A player like Mbappé, for example, needs a lot of space. There won’t be that space against Morocco, because they will block 10 players against France.”
And that block hasn’t let many balls through yet. “Morocco has never let the opponent score at this World Cup. The only goal against was an own goal against Canada.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Morocco also puts France aside.”
Pedri also experienced how difficult it is to find holes against Morocco.
“More players will choose second homeland”
What will be the consequences of the Moroccan fairy tale at the World Cup?
“I think more players will choose their second homeland in the future,” says Saintfiet.
“Players often think to themselves: ‘How can I play big tournaments and how can I play myself in the picture?'”
“Morocco is now highly regarded. If you play for their national team, you are currently among the top 4 in the world.”
According to Saintfiet, the phenomenon of players choosing their second homeland will not only be limited to Morocco.
“Players who have another second homeland will also be motivated by Morocco’s success.”
Morocco’s infrastructure and budget cannot be compared to the majority of African countries.
Will African football in general benefit from Morocco’s successes?
“I think it is a wake-up call. African countries often go to a tournament to be present. Now they also feel that they can achieve something,” says Saintfiet, who makes an important comment.
“You cannot compare Morocco’s infrastructure and budget with the majority of African countries. But Morocco does have a signal function by showing a good example.”
“The Arab countries in the Middle East will also receive a boost from Morocco’s performance.”
