Starting players of Morocco line up prior to the Round of 16 match between Morocco and Spain of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Dec. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Ming)
DOHA, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Morocco coach Walid Regragui was delighted and proud after his side made history by reaching the World Cup quarters for the first time after a penalty-shootout win over Spain here on Tuesday.
Goalkeeper Bono made two saves to deny Sergio Busquets and Carlos Soler, before Achraf Hakimi scored the decisive penalty to send Morocco through.
"The players were tremendous, with their energy and determination, They were very determined to defend against one of the best teams in the world in keeping the ball," Regragui said.
"We wanted to win in normal time, but we knew we had one of the best keepers in the world (Bono) and we were confident.
"We are a family and a team and we had great support," said the coach, who highlighted the depth of his dugout.
"I always say, 11 players start a game, but different players will finish it. A game like this takes a lot of energy and I chose my squad of 26 with that in mind," he insisted.
Regragui was also asked about the diversity of a squad that had a lot of players born outside of Morocco and playing in European leagues.
"Before the World Cup, we had problems with some people questioning players born in Europe or born in Morocco. Today they showed that every Moroccan, if they have a passport, is Moroccan. I am born in France, but nobody can doubt my love for my country."
Meanwhile, Bono was delighted with the support in the Education Stadium.
"We felt the support of our fans, be it in Morocco, or any other country in the world and that really helped us make such a performance. It helped through this mountainous task I applaud them all.
"When you are in the thick of it, it's hard to realize what you have done and it's hard to focus, but we are really happy and maybe in time maybe we will realize what we have done," commented the keeper. ■
Starting players of Spain line up prior to the Round of 16 match between Morocco and Spain of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Dec. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
Pedri (C, front) of Spain vies with Sofyan Amrabat of Morocco during the Round of 16 match between Morocco and Spain of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Dec. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Ming)
Sergio Busquets (L) of Spain vies with Sofiane Boufal of Morocco during the Round of 16 match between Morocco and Spain of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Dec. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)
Dani Olmo (1st L) of Spain competes during the Round of 16 match between Morocco and Spain of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Dec. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)
Sofiane Boufal (2nd L) of Morocco vies with Sergio Busquets (3rd L) and Rodri of Spain during the Round of 16 match between Morocco and Spain of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Dec. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Ming)
Abdelhamid Sabiri (3rd L) of Morocco and Nico Williams (2nd R) of Spain compete during the Round of 16 match between Morocco and Spain of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Dec. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)
Unai Simon (R), goalkeeper of Spain, competes during the Round of 16 match between Morocco and Spain of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Dec. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)
Hakim Ziyech of Morocco scores during the penalty shoot-out of the Round of 16 match between Morocco and Spain of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Dec. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)
Sergio Busquets of Spain shoots in the penalty shoot-out of the Round of 16 match between Morocco and Spain of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Dec. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)
Players of Morocco celebrate victory after winning the Round of 16 match between Morocco and Spain of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Dec. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)
Players of Spain acknowledge the spectators after the Round of 16 match between Morocco and Spain of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Dec. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)
Fans cheer prior to the Round of 16 match between Morocco and Spain at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Dec. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
A fan is seen prior to the Round of 16 match between Morocco and Spain at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Dec. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)
