Morocco's 2022 World Cup Squad: Full List & Analysis

by Jhon Lennon 53 views

The Morocco football squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was a fascinating mix of seasoned veterans and exciting new talent. The Atlas Lions, coached by Walid Regragui, embarked on a historic journey, becoming the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals. This article dives deep into the Morocco football squad 2022 World Cup, analyzing the key players, tactical approach, and their remarkable performance in the tournament.

The Road to Qatar: Qualifying Campaign

Before we delve into the specifics of the squad, let's recap Morocco's journey to the 2022 World Cup. Their qualifying campaign saw them dominate their group, showcasing a blend of attacking flair and defensive solidity. Key victories against Guinea-Bissau, Sudan, and Guinea secured their spot in the final qualifying round. Here, they faced a tough challenge against the Democratic Republic of Congo, but ultimately prevailed, securing their place in Qatar. The qualification process highlighted the team's resilience and determination, setting the stage for their impressive performance at the World Cup.

The Final 26: Analyzing the Squad

The final Morocco football squad announced for the 2022 World Cup was a carefully selected group of players, each bringing unique qualities to the team. Here's a breakdown of the squad by position:

Goalkeepers

  • Yassine Bounou (Sevilla FC): Arguably Morocco's most important player, Bounou's outstanding shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in the box were crucial to their success. His penalty-saving heroics against Spain in the Round of 16 will forever be etched in World Cup history.
  • Munir Mohamedi (Al Wehda): A reliable backup goalkeeper, Mohamedi provided valuable experience and support to Bounou.
  • Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti (Wydad AC): Completing the goalkeeping trio, Tagnaouti offered further depth in this crucial position.

Defenders

The Moroccan defense was a cornerstone of their success, built on a foundation of discipline, organization, and individual brilliance. The Morocco football squad 2022 World Cup defensive lineup featured:

  • Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain): A world-class right-back, Hakimi's pace, skill, and attacking prowess made him a constant threat. His winning penalty against Spain was a testament to his nerve and quality.
  • Noussair Mazraoui (Bayern Munich): Operating at left-back, Mazraoui provided balance and defensive stability, while also contributing to the attack.
  • Nayef Aguerd (West Ham United): A commanding center-back, Aguerd's aerial ability and reading of the game were vital in thwarting opposition attacks.
  • Romain Saïss (BeÅŸiktaÅŸ): The captain and leader of the defense, Saïss's experience and organizational skills were invaluable. He led by example, inspiring his teammates with his commitment and determination.
  • Jawad El Yamiq (Real Valladolid): A solid and dependable center-back, El Yamiq provided crucial cover and support to the first-choice pairing.
  • Achraf Dari (Stade Brestois 29): Another promising center-back, Dari offered further depth and competition in the defensive ranks.
  • Badr Benoun (Qatar SC): Benoun brought experience and versatility to the squad, capable of playing in multiple defensive positions.

Midfielders

The Moroccan midfield was a dynamic and hard-working unit, providing a crucial link between defense and attack. The Morocco football squad midfielders included:

  • Sofyan Amrabat (Fiorentina): Arguably the breakout star of the tournament, Amrabat's tireless work rate, tackling ability, and tactical awareness were instrumental in Morocco's success. He shielded the defense effectively and disrupted opposition attacks.
  • Azzedine Ounahi (Angers SCO): A revelation in midfield, Ounahi's dribbling skills, vision, and passing range added creativity and flair to the team. He became a target for top European clubs after his impressive performances.
  • Selim Amallah (Standard Liège): Amallah provided energy and dynamism in midfield, contributing both defensively and offensively.
  • Abdelhamid Sabiri (Sampdoria): Sabiri's set-piece expertise and ability to score from midfield made him a valuable asset.
  • Bilal El Khannouss (KRC Genk): A young and promising midfielder, El Khannouss gained valuable experience at the tournament.
  • Yahya Jabrane (Wydad AC): Jabrane offered further depth and experience in the midfield department.

Forwards

The Moroccan attack featured a mix of pace, skill, and experience. The Morocco football squad 2022 World Cup attacking options were:

  • Hakim Ziyech (Chelsea FC): A key player in the Moroccan attack, Ziyech's creativity, dribbling skills, and ability to score goals were crucial. His performances throughout the tournament were a testament to his talent and determination.
  • Youssef En-Nesyri (Sevilla FC): En-Nesyri's aerial ability and goal-scoring instincts made him a constant threat in the penalty box. His winning goal against Portugal in the quarter-finals was a historic moment for Moroccan football.
  • Sofiane Boufal (Angers SCO): Boufal's trickery, pace, and ability to beat defenders added a different dimension to the attack.
  • Zakaria Aboukhlal (Toulouse FC): A young and exciting winger, Aboukhlal provided energy and directness in the attacking third.
  • Abderrazak Hamdallah (Al-Ittihad): Hamdallah's goal-scoring record and experience made him a valuable option off the bench.
  • Walid Cheddira (SSC Bari): Cheddira offered a physical presence and work rate upfront.

Tactical Approach

Coach Walid Regragui implemented a well-organized and disciplined tactical approach, built on a solid defensive foundation. Morocco typically played in a 4-3-3 formation, with a focus on compactness, pressing, and quick transitions. Their defensive strength was evident throughout the tournament, conceding only a single goal in open play prior to the semi-final. In midfield, Amrabat provided crucial protection to the defense, while Ounahi and Amallah offered creativity and energy. The attacking trio of Ziyech, En-Nesyri, and Boufal provided pace, skill, and goal-scoring threat. Regragui's tactical flexibility and ability to adapt to different opponents were key to Morocco's success.

Key Performances and Moments

The Morocco football squad delivered numerous memorable performances throughout the 2022 World Cup. Here are some key highlights:

  • Group Stage Dominance: Morocco topped their group, which included Croatia, Belgium, and Canada, showcasing their quality and determination.
  • Penalty Shootout Victory against Spain: Bounou's heroics in the penalty shootout secured a historic victory against Spain in the Round of 16.
  • Triumph over Portugal: En-Nesyri's winning goal against Portugal in the quarter-finals sent Morocco to their first-ever World Cup semi-final.
  • Sofyan Amrabat's Dominance: Amrabat's outstanding performances in midfield earned him widespread praise and recognition.

Conclusion

The Morocco football squad 2022 World Cup etched their names in history with their remarkable performance in Qatar. Their success was a testament to their talent, hard work, and tactical discipline. The team's blend of experienced players and exciting young talents, combined with Coach Walid Regragui's astute leadership, created a winning formula. Morocco's journey to the semi-finals inspired a nation and showcased the potential of African football on the world stage. They proved that with determination, belief, and a strong team spirit, anything is possible. The legacy of the Morocco football squad from the 2022 World Cup will be remembered for generations to come.