Morocco Aims for Historic Semi-Final Spot Against Brazil in Futsal World Cup
Morocco's national futsal team is gearing up for a historic clash against Brazil in the quarter-finals of the Futsal World Cup, following an exhilarating 4-3 victory over Iran in the round of 16. The Atlas Lions, despite facing a daunting challenge against the five-time champions, are determined to make history by reaching the semi-finals for the first time in their fourth consecutive World Cup appearance.
The Moroccan squad has shown resilience, overcoming significant injuries that have sidelined eight players. Star player Soufiane El Shaarawy, who plays in France, expressed confidence in the team's capabilities, stating, "Brazil is a great team, but we believe in our chances. All Moroccans are praying for us. With their support, we will be able to beat Brazil."
Morocco's journey to the quarter-finals has been remarkable, finishing second in Group 5 behind defending champions Portugal. They secured two wins against Tajikistan and Panama, but suffered a loss to Portugal. El Shaarawy highlighted the importance of their recent performance against Iran, noting, "To score four goals in one half against a team like Iran is something important."
Coach Hicham Dguig Confident Despite Challenges
Coach Hicham Dguig remains optimistic about the upcoming match, emphasizing that the team will not back down against the Brazilian side. "We will not give up against Brazil, and we will play against them with the same enthusiasm. We trust the players," he stated. Dguig acknowledged the support from Moroccan fans, which he believes has been crucial for the team's development in futsal.
Brazil, on the other hand, has been in formidable form, having scored 32 goals and conceded only one throughout the tournament. They advanced to the quarter-finals effortlessly, defeating Costa Rica 5-0 after a series of dominant performances in the group stages. The Brazilian team, which has won the Futsal World Cup five times, is looking to reclaim its title after falling short in recent editions.
As Morocco prepares for this crucial match, the stakes are high. No Arab or African team has ever reached the semi-finals of the Futsal World Cup, making this encounter not only a test of skill but also a chance for Morocco to achieve an unprecedented milestone in the sport.
