We Respect Brazil but Do Not Fear Them

Morocco will face five-time champions Brazil in their opening match of the World Cup. While Brazil is a formidable opponent, head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has urged his players not to be intimidated.

Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated Group Stage match in New Jersey on Saturday, Ouahbi said the team draws inspiration from their historic semi-final run in Qatar.

Appointed in March as Walid Regragui’s successor, Ouahbi said, “This match gives us an opportunity to test our abilities. I think we are in a good position to start the competition. We must believe in ourselves and in our achievements. We must respect Brazil, not fear them. People say this is not the same Brazil, but it is still Brazil.”

In the 2022 World Cup, Morocco made history by becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals, defeating Spain and Portugal along the way. It remains their best-ever World Cup performance.

However, Ouahbi said the situation this time is different, noting that Morocco, ranked seventh in the world, are just one place behind Brazil, who sit eighth in Group C.

“We are not afraid. We have reached another level and gained great respect. Our goal now is to maintain that position and prove we are true contenders,” he added.

Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi, one of Morocco’s key players during their historic World Cup run, said the focus is now on starting the tournament strongly.

Hakimi said, “We know Brazil’s quality and their players. Our goal is to start well, go as far as possible, and do better than the last World Cup. But right now, our focus is only on the Brazil match. In tournaments like the World Cup, there are no favourites in such games. It is an even contest.”