Morocco's 2022 World Cup Squad: Full List & Analysis

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The Morocco national team made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals. Their success was built on a strong squad featuring a mix of experienced veterans and exciting young talents. Let's dive into the details of the Morocco team squad that competed in the 2022 World Cup, analyzing the key players and their contributions.

The Atlas Lions' Journey to the Semi-Finals

Before we delve into the specifics of the Morocco team squad 2022 World Cup, it's worth remembering the incredible journey they undertook. Drawn into a tough group alongside Croatia, Belgium, and Canada, few predicted Morocco would progress, let alone top the group. However, a resolute defense, tactical discipline, and clinical finishing saw them emerge as group winners, setting the stage for a historic knockout stage run.

Their Round of 16 clash against Spain was a tense affair, ultimately decided by a penalty shootout where goalkeeper Yassine Bounou proved to be the hero. This victory sent shockwaves through the tournament, and Morocco followed it up with a stunning 1-0 win over Portugal in the quarter-finals. Although they eventually lost to France in the semi-finals, their performance captivated the world and left a lasting legacy.

Goalkeepers

  • Yassine Bounou (Sevilla FC): Undoubtedly the star of the goalkeeping department, Yassine Bounou, also known as Bono, was instrumental in Morocco's success. His penalty-saving heroics against Spain will be etched in World Cup folklore. Bounou's commanding presence in the box and exceptional shot-stopping ability provided a sense of security for the Moroccan defense.
  • Munir El Kajoui (Al Wehda): A reliable backup, Munir El Kajoui offered valuable experience to the squad. While he didn't feature prominently, his presence provided depth and competition for the starting role.
  • Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti (Wydad AC): Completing the goalkeeping trio was Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti. His inclusion highlighted the importance of having domestic-based players within the squad, fostering a sense of national pride and unity.

The goalkeeping position was a clear strength for Morocco, with Yassine Bounou's outstanding performances being a major factor in their remarkable World Cup run. His experience and skill provided a solid foundation for the team's defensive solidity. The presence of reliable backups in Munir El Kajoui and Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti ensured that the team had adequate cover in case of injuries or suspensions. The goalkeeping choices reflected a blend of international experience and domestic talent, contributing to the overall cohesion and strength of the Morocco team squad 2022 World Cup.

Defenders

The Morocco national team's defensive prowess was a hallmark of their World Cup campaign, built upon a well-organized and resilient backline. The defenders played a crucial role in stifling opposition attacks and providing a platform for the team's counter-attacking threat. Their cohesive unit, tactical discipline, and individual brilliance made them a formidable force to be reckoned with throughout the tournament. Let's take a closer look at the key defenders who formed the backbone of the Morocco team squad:

  • Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain): One of the world's best right-backs, Achraf Hakimi's attacking dynamism and defensive solidity were vital for Morocco. His marauding runs down the flank and pinpoint crosses added a different dimension to their attack.
  • Noussair Mazraoui (Bayern Munich): Equally adept at both defending and attacking, Noussair Mazraoui provided balance and versatility on the left side of the defense. His ability to contribute in both phases of play made him a valuable asset to the team.
  • Romain Saïss (BeÅŸiktaÅŸ): The captain and leader of the defense, Romain Saïss's experience and organizational skills were crucial in marshalling the backline. His aerial prowess and commanding presence made him a formidable opponent for opposing attackers.
  • Nayef Aguerd (West Ham United): A commanding center-back, Nayef Aguerd's physicality and reading of the game were essential in snuffing out opposition attacks. His partnership with Saïss formed a formidable barrier in the heart of the defense.
  • Jawad El Yamiq (Real Valladolid): Jawad El Yamiq provided solid cover and competition in central defense. His ability to step in when needed ensured that the team maintained its defensive stability throughout the tournament.
  • Achraf Dari (Stade Brestois 29): A promising young defender, Achraf Dari offered valuable depth to the squad. His inclusion highlighted the focus on developing young talent within the Moroccan national team setup.
  • Badr Benoun (Qatar SC): Completing the defensive options was Badr Benoun. His experience and versatility made him a valuable asset to the squad, providing cover in multiple positions.

The Morocco team squad 2022 World Cup defensive unit was a blend of experienced leaders and talented youngsters, creating a cohesive and resilient backline. Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui's attacking contributions from the full-back positions added a dynamic dimension to the team's play, while Romain Saïss and Nayef Aguerd's partnership in central defense provided a solid foundation. The defensive depth and tactical flexibility allowed the team to adapt to different opponents and maintain their defensive solidity throughout their historic World Cup run.

Midfielders

The midfield orchestrates the game's tempo, controls possession, and provides crucial support to both the defense and attack. The Morocco national team's midfield at the 2022 World Cup was a blend of creativity, industry, and tactical awareness. Let's examine the key midfielders who played vital roles in the Morocco team squad:

  • Sofyan Amrabat (Fiorentina): A tireless and combative midfielder, Sofyan Amrabat was the engine of the Moroccan team. His relentless energy, tackling ability, and reading of the game made him a crucial shield for the defense.
  • Azzedine Ounahi (Angers SCO): A revelation of the tournament, Azzedine Ounahi's dribbling skills, vision, and passing range added a spark of creativity to the midfield. His performances earned him widespread acclaim and attracted interest from top European clubs.
  • Selim Amallah (Standard Liège): A versatile midfielder, Selim Amallah contributed with his work rate, tactical awareness, and ability to play in multiple positions. His adaptability made him a valuable asset to the squad.
  • Bilal El Khannouss (KRC Genk): A promising young midfielder, Bilal El Khannouss offered a glimpse of the future. His inclusion highlighted the focus on developing young talent within the Moroccan national team setup.
  • Abdelhamid Sabiri (Sampdoria): Known for his set-piece expertise and creative passing, Abdelhamid Sabiri provided a different dimension to the midfield. His ability to unlock defenses with his vision and technique made him a valuable option off the bench.
  • Yahya Jabrane (Wydad AC): Completing the midfield options was Yahya Jabrane. His experience and tactical understanding made him a reliable presence in the squad.

The Morocco team squad 2022 World Cup midfield was characterized by its balance of defensive steel and creative flair. Sofyan Amrabat's tireless work rate and Azzedine Ounahi's creative spark formed a formidable partnership, while the other midfielders provided tactical flexibility and valuable contributions. The midfield's ability to control possession, win tackles, and create chances was crucial to Morocco's success throughout the tournament. The blend of experience and youth in the midfield highlighted the depth and potential within the Moroccan national team.

Forwards

The forwards are responsible for providing the cutting edge, scoring goals, and leading the attacking line. The Morocco national team's forward line at the 2022 World Cup featured a mix of pace, skill, and experience. Let's take a closer look at the key forwards who aimed to propel the Morocco team squad to victory:

  • Hakim Ziyech (Chelsea FC): A technically gifted winger, Hakim Ziyech's creativity, dribbling skills, and eye for goal were crucial for Morocco. His ability to create chances and score goals made him a constant threat to opposition defenses.
  • Youssef En-Nesyri (Sevilla FC): A powerful and athletic striker, Youssef En-Nesyri's aerial ability and clinical finishing were valuable assets for Morocco. His headed goal against Portugal sent Morocco to the semi-finals.
  • Sofiane Boufal (Angers SCO): A skillful and unpredictable winger, Sofiane Boufal's dribbling skills and ability to beat defenders added a spark of creativity to the attack. His trickery and flair made him a difficult opponent for defenders.
  • Zakaria Aboukhlal (Toulouse FC): A promising young winger, Zakaria Aboukhlal offered pace and directness to the attack. His inclusion highlighted the focus on developing young talent within the Moroccan national team setup.
  • Abderrazak Hamdallah (Al-Ittihad): An experienced striker, Abderrazak Hamdallah provided a goal-scoring threat off the bench. His proven track record made him a valuable option for the team.
  • Walid Cheddira (SSC Bari): A hard-working and energetic forward, Walid Cheddira contributed with his pressing and defensive work rate. His commitment and determination made him a valuable asset to the squad.

The Morocco team squad 2022 World Cup forward line was a blend of creativity, pace, and goal-scoring ability. Hakim Ziyech's technical skills and Youssef En-Nesyri's aerial prowess formed a potent attacking partnership, while the other forwards provided different qualities and options. The forward's ability to create chances, score goals, and stretch opposition defenses was crucial to Morocco's success throughout the tournament. The mix of experience and youth in the forward line highlighted the attacking depth and potential within the Moroccan national team.

The Coach: Walid Regragui

Walid Regragui took over as coach of the Morocco national team just months before the World Cup and masterminded their historic run. His tactical acumen, motivational skills, and ability to create a strong team spirit were instrumental in Morocco's success. Regragui's leadership and guidance helped the team overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. He implemented a clear tactical plan, focusing on defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks, which proved highly effective against some of the world's best teams. His ability to unite the squad and instill a belief in their capabilities was a key factor in their remarkable journey to the semi-finals.

Conclusion

The Morocco team squad 2022 World Cup was a special group of players who captured the hearts of fans around the world. Their historic run to the semi-finals was a testament to their talent, hard work, and team spirit. The squad featured a blend of experienced veterans and exciting young talents, all united under the guidance of coach Walid Regragui. Their success served as an inspiration to African football and left a lasting legacy on the world stage. The Morocco national team showed the world that with determination, tactical discipline, and unwavering belief, anything is possible in football. The players' dedication and commitment to representing their nation with pride made them true heroes in the eyes of Moroccan fans and football enthusiasts worldwide.