Like his first press conference on the eve of Morocco’s entry into the 2022 World Cup, Walid Regragui once once more conveyed a message of hope during his last press briefing. Following the defeat (1-2) of the national team once morest Croatia, on the occasion of the small final, this Saturday, December 17, the national coach did not hide that the disappointment was still in the game.
But not enough to minimize an epic worthy of the greatest nations of football. “When we wake up, we will realize what we have done. The step was a bit high. On these tournaments, everyone must be 100%. But well done to the boys, they gave it their all,” he said.
“Congratulations to Croatia, they are a very good team, which deserves their third place. They have a lot of experience, they knew how to manage the match to win this third place”. And to add: “We weren’t at the level we wanted, especially in the first half. In the second half, it was better, but they were able to keep the result”.
“We managed to bring everyone together”
This fabulous journey will remain forever etched in the memories of a group that not only amazed the football planet by its freshness, but also made people crazy with joy who did not expect such a course at the start of the competition.
“From this World Cup, I remember the Moroccan people who take to the streets on each of our victories. The fact that King Mohammed VI went out to celebrate success in the streets with the people. It shows that we had an extraordinary impact.”
Positive feelings nourished by the uniqueness of an adventure where the national team “played once morest big teams. We only had big games”. A page written in gold letters in the history book of Moroccan football and which will be used to restore the image of African football which sometimes gives the impression of slowing down.
“We have proven that the African continent works and learns from its mistakes. The objective of Africans and Morocco is to win the World Cup one day. We showed that we were capable. The matches were decided on details.”
“Winning the next African Cup of Nations”
Details and some errors that have been detrimental to the national team. However, Walid Regragui refused to see them as such. “You have to respect football. France is stronger than us, Croatia is stronger than us. Not by much but she is stronger, so you have to work. If I had something to change? Nothing.”
In his mind, the coach only retains the areas of improvement for the next deadlines, including the next edition of the World Cup. “In 2026, I will have more experience and maybe I will change things”.
Waiting, the coach has high expectations for his proteges by setting them the objective of no more and no less than “to win the next African Cup of Nations”, postponed to January 2024, in Côte d’Ivoire. A sinequanone condition for this generation to claim to be the best generation in Moroccan and African football.
A continent that vibrated to the rhythm of the exploits of the men of Walid Regragui. Priceless communion in the eyes of the coach. “We managed to make a few kids dream who can aspire to become professional footballers. It’s priceless”.
“The bar is high now,” he continues. “There’s going to be a lot of pressure. My job is to put my feet on the ground and say that what we’ve done is extraordinary. With this kind of performance, one day we can win the World Cup.”
In this sense, the coach said he was convinced that an African team will eventually win the World Cup. “In twenty years, Africa will be crowned in the World Cup. On condition of working and gaining experience,” he assured.
And to conclude his last press conference in this world with a “Vive l’Afrique et Dima Maroc”.
