Ouahbi says Morocco can win it all after reaching last 32

Ouahbi: Morocco can win this World Cup

Mohamed Ouahbi laid it out plainly after the Haiti win: the target is the trophy. "Regardless of who we face, we have a strong squad, an excellent staff and great supporters. We have everything we need to believe in ourselves" (2).

Not a soundbite. A statement. Morocco are into the last 32 after finishing second in Group C, and the coach sees no reason to stop there (3).

Morocco 4–2 Haiti, into the knockout rounds

Job done. Morocco beat Haiti 4–2 on Thursday to lock up second place in Group C (2). Achraf Hakimi, Ismael Saibari, Soufiane Rahimi, and Wilson Isidor all got on the scoresheet in a match your side controlled.

The reward: a last-32 clash with Netherlands, Japan, or Sweden. Ouahbi kept his post-match message on message. "Morocco have entered a new stage. The players now believe in their ability, and opponents respect Morocco" (2).

Netherlands may not fancy drawing Morocco

Dutch analysts are already weighing the options, and the verdict is telling. Several pundits in the Netherlands would prefer Morocco over Brazil as a knockout opponent, but not everyone agrees it is the easier draw (1) (6).

Studio Oranje debated the matchup while covering Netherlands' own group finale against Tunisia (8). FC Twente forward Younes Taha has already said publicly he expects Morocco to beat the Dutch if the two sides meet.

Paul Parker warns Arsenal off Bouaddi

Ayyoub Bouaddi has been turning heads at this tournament. The 20-year-old Lille midfielder is a reported target for Arsenal, but former Manchester United defender Paul Parker is not convinced the move makes sense.

"So, you'd look at that young boy Bouaddi, and you'd worry about his career if he was to go to Arsenal," Parker said (5). Bouaddi also has interest from PSG. He started against Brazil in the group opener and is one of the names European clubs are circling.

Fan reactions

Ouahbi nearly lost it on the touchline when Soufiane Rahimi started peeling his shirt off mid-celebration, and Moroccan fans on Reddit loved every second of it. The manager's panicked reaction became an instant talking point, with supporters praising the passion on the sideline as much as the goals on the pitch.

See the clip here