The Moroccan national team maintained positive Arab results in the 2022 World Cup by securing a point against the world runner-up, the Croatian team, in the opening of the first round of Group D. The Moroccan team displayed impressive defensive solidity and cohesion, making them equal with a team that reached the World Cup final in the last edition and nearly won the title. Notably, Morocco matched the result of the Tunisian team, which drew 0-0 with Denmark less than 24 hours earlier.
**Reasons for Success**
1. **Trust in the National Coach**: National coach Walid Regragui gained the confidence of the Moroccan Football Federation instead of hiring a foreign coach, allowing the former international player to select the best available players and reinstate those sidelined under previous coach Vahid Halilhodzic, notably Hakim Ziyech, giving the Moroccan team a significant boost.
2. **Key Professional Players**: The presence of professionals in the Moroccan squad played a crucial role in their resilience against Croatia, with Regragui's lineup featuring several prominent players in Europe, such as Chelsea's Hakim Ziyech, Sevilla's Youssef En-Nesyri, and his teammate in the Spanish club, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, along with others spread across Europe’s major leagues.
3. **Arab Support in the Stands**: Continued Arab fan support for Arab teams provided Morocco with a significant advantage against the world runner-up, with fans gathering in the stands to encourage and support the Moroccan team, creating immense pressure on the Croatian team.
4. **Momentum from Arab Teams**: The Arab spirit that resonated at the World Cup on November 22 also uplifted the Moroccan team the following day, as the Atlas Lions benefited from the immense morale boost after witnessing Saudi Arabia defeat Argentina (2-1) and Tunisia securing a point from Denmark.
**Upcoming Challenges**
The Moroccan team successfully completed their first task, earning a valuable point, but the next challenge will be tougher when they face the team ranked second in the FIFA rankings. Morocco will play against Belgium next Sunday, hoping to avoid defeat and at least earn another point, or achieve a full three points to make significant progress towards qualification for the knockout stage. The Moroccan team will conclude their group stage campaign against Canada on Thursday, December 1, hoping for a historic night that witnesses their progression to the Round of 16.
