Aguerd and Ezzalzouli ruled out before Brazil opener

Two starters ruled out days before Brazil

It is the news no Morocco fan wanted. Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli have been ruled out of the World Cup just days before the opening match against Brazil (1) (2) (3). Both were expected starters. Their absence leaves Walid Regragui with a headache he did not need.

Marwane Saadane and Amine Sbai have been called up as replacements (1) (4). Big shoes to fill, and almost no time to settle.

The timing could hardly be worse. Morocco already lost Noussair Mazraoui to a knock in the 1–1 friendly draw with Norway. Now two more key pieces are gone.

Brazil wait in the opener

Your first Group C match is against Brazil (2) (3) (4). No easing in. No warm-up act. Straight into the deep end against one of the tournament favorites.

Regragui has set a quarterfinal target. That road now looks steeper. The defensive solidity that carried Morocco to the semifinals four years ago will be tested early, and without Aguerd organizing the back line, the margin for error shrinks.

The camp will be anxious. But this group has defied expectations before.

Fan-reaktioner

The mood among Morocco supporters is a mix of frustration and defiance. The double injury blow has hit hard, with many pointing to the cruel timing so close to the biggest match of the cycle. But there is also belief that Regragui can find a way, because this team has made a habit of proving people wrong. Read the full discussion on r/soccer