RONALDO FACTOR
Cristiano Ronaldo was a surprise omission from Portugal’s starting eleven for their match against Switzerland in the round of 16, with his replacement, Goncalo Ramos, scoring a hat-trick in a 6–1 win.
But Regragui would prefer to see the Portuguese national team sheet without the name of the top scorer in international men’s soccer.
“They’re going to be cool,” he said. “I don’t know if Ronaldo is going to play, but I hope not. I know he is one of the best players in history, so I don’t want him to play.”
Morocco’s success in Qatar has sparked celebrations at home, but also in several European countries where the Moroccan diaspora lives.
Fourteen of Regragui’s 26 players were born outside the African country.
“People are identifying with us and we have managed to unite Moroccans behind this football team,” he said. “I think that this is worth more than anything, it is worth more than money, it is worth more than titles.
“We’ve made people happy, we’ve made people proud, but that’s not the only reason we’re here – we’re here to win games and go as far as possible in this tournament.”
Morocco have had a series of injury problems, with full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui playing despite not being in top form.
Center back Nayef Aguerd was injured in the Spain game but could be ready to play on Saturday.
“Many injured, sick people. We have played many games without 100% people,” said Regragui.
“I’m proud of that because no one has seen Morocco 100 percent. Aguerd waits tomorrow to see if he can play or not.”
