In the 94-year history of the World Cup, only three African teams have reached the quarterfinals; it remains the glass ceiling for teams from the continent in the tournament.
Each of the three teams that reached this stage, Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010, have become legends.
They were special sides; they had stars, unity, clear strategies and, above all, personality.
Each enjoyed their historic wins en route to their eventual elimination; triumphs that are still remembered and celebrated to this day, and none retired without strength, with only extra time or penalties preventing their progress.
Cameroon defeated Diego Maradona’s Argentina and, inspired by the timeless Roger Milla, reached the quarterfinals before losing to England after extra time.
For Senegal, their tournament began with a 1-0 win over France, the reigning world and European champions, in a remarkable giant slaughter, and after dispatching Sweden after extra time in the round of 16, they were knocked out by Turkey. … but only in addition. weather.
In 2010, Ghana defeated dark horses Serbia in the group stage, but the highlight of their campaign was Asamoah Gyan’s extra-time goal to dispatch the United States in the round of 16 before reaching the quarterfinals. final against Uruguay.
That match, of course, has become legendary as one of the most dramatic in World Cup history, even if the African representatives were on the losing end.
2022 has already been quite a remarkable campaign for African teams.
Prior to Qatar, teams from the continent had never before won more than three group stage matches in a single edition of the tournament; in 2022, they won seven, with Senegal living up to pre-tournament expectations and Ghana taking their fates into their own hands before falling to Uruguay.
Perhaps the talk of “progress” needs to stop, though, as only two of the continent’s five reached the knockout stages, equaling the African record, and African champions Senegal were bested by England in their round of 16
This leaves Morocco as the last African team standing heading into the last day of the quarterfinals.
They are strange against Spain, as while La Roja made world news when they beat Costa Rica 7-0, the loss to Japan and draw with Germany have dampened expectations.
Perhaps most importantly, Morocco’s performances to date suggest they have all the qualities that have been common among Africa’s history-makers.
In terms of star players, the likes of Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech have ignited the style on the grandest stage, while Youssef En-Nesyri’s brace against Canada also suggests that Morocco’s one standout weakness, the lack of goal threat , could have been resolved. .
Their defensive block was not broken for two and a half games at the start of the campaign, while in Yassine Bounou they have one of the most complete goalkeepers in the tournament.
They have already enjoyed a historic win, defeating second-ranked Belgium in the world to eliminate the Red Devils in the group stage, and the Atlas Lions fully deserve their win against Roberto Martinez’s side.
They also beat 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia 2-0, and made light work of a Canada team that had already been knocked out before their last game. Finally, Morocco led their group, emulating the feat of the class of 1986.
There is a clearly defined style in this Morocco team, which has a medium defense, a thin and effective counter-attack, and also technical players like Hakimi, Ziyech or Sofiane Boufal who can damage teams both in open play from wide areas like on set. pieces.
Having neutralized Croatia’s legendary midfield three, the Atlas Lions will be sure to enjoy a similar shutout against Spain’s technical masters in the heart of the field.
Morocco drew 2-2 with Spain in the last World Cup: they were unlucky not to win when Iago Aspas scored a 91stminute equalizer, and will certainly not be feared or intimidated by their illustrious opponents when the two sides go head-to-head.
Morocco’s passionate support, engaging style of play, individual qualities and candid approach have already won many neutral fans at this tournament; they have already tasted glory so far, and have the qualities to secure one of Africa’s biggest World Cup victories.
