Morocco manager Walid Regragui has challenged his side to at least repeat their incredible performance at this World Cup at future tournaments after they finished fourth in Qatar.
The North Africans were beaten 2-1 by Croatia in the third-place play-off at Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday night.
However, the second straight defeat – Morocco were unbeaten in their opening five matches at the tournament – should not take away from what has been a remarkable achievement overall.
Morocco became the first Arab nation to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, and sit as the only African side in history to reach the last four.
Speaking directly following the Croatia loss, Regragui said: “We had 0.01 per cent of winning this World Cup at the outset. We managed to get through to the last four. We played against some of the footballing powerhouses of the world.
“We're now one of the top four teams in the world and if you had told me that before the World Cup and that Morocco would be No 4 in the world, I would have accepted that straight away.”
Against Croatia, Morocco were without a number of key players, including captain Romain Saiss, defensive partner Nayef Aguerd, and Bayern Munich left-back Noussair Mazraoui. Meanwhile, impressive midfielder Azzedine Ounahi began on the bench.
The quartet was instrumental in Morocco finishing top of a group that contained Croatia and Belgium, before then defeating Spain, the 2010 champions, in the last 16 – the country’s first World Cup knockout match in 36 years.
"Sure, I am a little disappointed by this second consecutive defeat, but we did everything that we could," Regragui said. "Physically it was difficult; our players got tired. It was very intense.
“We wanted to make the fans more proud than they already were, that's it. We wanted to bring joy to them, but we're still happy: we're among the four best teams in the world.
"We provided everyone with a good show. We never gave up. Congratulations to Croatia, they deserve their third place. We are a young team that is still learning.
“Of course, we're disappointed, but when we wake up tomorrow we will realise how much we have achieved… some of my players weren’t 100 per cent fit but they gave everything to the end. I am very proud.”
Croatia v Morocco player ratings
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CROATIA RATINGS: Dominik Livakovic – 7. Arguably the keeper of the tournament, the Croatian made a key save in the second half to deny Morocco a second goal. AP -
Josip Stanisic – 7. The Bayern Munich defender displayed his attacking quality as well as his defensive ability, with several charges forward. AP -
Bosko Sutalo – 6. The 22-year-old centre-back made a number of interceptions, including a block to deny a low cross in the box reaching its target. AFP -
Joško Gvardiol – 8. One of Croatia’s stand-out players this tournament, the defender opened the scoring after seven minutes before a strong display largely kept Morocco’s attackers at bay. AP -
Ivan Perisic – 7. The veteran winger did well to set-up the first goal with a headed assist. He also drove his team forward several times before denying En-Nesyri at the other end. AP -
Lovro Majer – 7. Midfielder capitalised on several mistakes to help create chances. A good performance in the middle. AP -
Mateo Kovacic – 6. Chelsea’s midfield man missed a great chance from close range in the final minutes which would have killed the game. PA -
Luka Modric – 7. The Croatia captain dictated the play from his anchor role, putting in a great free-kick for his side’s first goal. He did allow Morocco’s equaliser to stand after he flicked the ball on to Dari, but he never looked tired and fought until the end. AFP -
Mislav Orsic – 8. The winger had a fabulous game as he bagged the winner with a stunning strike into the far top corner. He made great runs and created several chances for his side. EOA -
Andrej Kramaric - 6. Croatia’s target man wasn't at his peak and his best chance was a strong header which was caught well by Bounou. He was later forced off by injury in the second half. Reuters -
Marko Livaja – 5. The forward didn’t manage to create many chances and was taken off for Petkovic. AP -
SUBS: Nikola Vlasic (Kramaric 61')– 6. The attacker did well, but his biggest chance was fired over the bar after Amrabat gave the ball away. Reuters -
Mario Pasalic (Livaja 66') – 6. The former Chelsea man moved the ball well in the middle. Getty -
Bruno Petkovic (Majer 66') – 6. The tall striker held up the ball well in transition for Croatia, and became the target of several fouls. He made a good move late on, but his shot was blocked. AP -
Kristijan Jakic (Orsic 90') - N/A. Coming on with a minute to go, there was little involvement for the Frankfurt player. EPA -
MOROCCO RATINGS: Yassine Bounou – 6. One of the breakthrough names in this tournament, Morocco’s No 1 was unfortunate with the two goals he conceded. AFP -
Achraf Hakimi -7. The PSG star was an attacking source from wing-back. He created a number of chances, including nearly getting an assist in the first half. His defensive and passing play were very good. EPA -
Achraf Dari -7. Pulled his team level with a headed finish from a set-piece. However, he went down injured at the end of the first half and was replaced in the 64th minute. AFP -
Jawad El Yamiq - 6. The centre-back put in a good block to stop Kramaric getting the ball in the box. He was taken off late on due to an injury. AFP -
Yahia Attiat Allah – 6. Making his 10th appearance for his nation, the left-back displayed a good first touch on the wing. However, he occasionally got caught by the press and gave the ball away. Getty -
Sofyan Amrabat – 6. The Moroccan often dropped deep to get the ball before spreading it wide. He put in some strong tackles, but was guilty of giving the ball away with weak passes. Getty -
Abdelhamid Sabiri – 6. The Sampdoria midfielder showcased his good footwork in tight situations, keeping the ball close before laying it off to his attackers well. However, he was guilty of trying too hard at times, and subsequently losing the ball. EPA -
Bilal El Khannouss – 7. The 18-year-old midfielder made his international debut and showed his quality with some good drives forward, quick passing and skilful moves. It was a good outing for the youngster. AFP -
Hakim Ziyech – 7. The Chelsea star reminded everyone of his qualities with some slick passing along the right with Hakimi, as well as some brilliant switches across the park. His free-kick delivery led to his side’s goal. Getty -
Sofiane Boufal – 6. The former Southampton winger managed to find space along the wing as he created several chances, but his delivery was not always up to scratch. AFP -
Youssef En-Nesyri – 6. The 25-year-old had a number of chances, including a flashing header just wide from a tight angle. He even made sure to do his defensive duties on set-pieces. Getty -
SUBS: Ilias Chair (Sabiri 45') – 6. Replacing Sabiri at half time, the attacking midfielder made quite an impact, contributing some good tackles. Getty -
Azzedine Ounahi (Khannouss 56') – 5. After coming on in midfield, the Angers player played some good passes across the park and chased after everything, before being booked for talking back to the referee. Getty -
Badr Benoun (Dari 64') – 6. The 29-year-old won a number of tackles to stop Croatia on the attack. Getty -
Anass Zaroury (Boufal 64') – 6. Burnley’s 22-year-old attacker came on half way through the second half and kept the pressure on Croatia, with one press helping to dispossess the opposition in their defensive third. Reuters -
Selim Amallah (El Yamiq 67') – 5. The attacking midfielder played a more defensive role and picked up a yellow in the process. AP
Despite the defeat, Morocco are viewed as a major success story, and enjoyed the support of the African and Arab world throughout their run in Qatar.
"I think we showed our strength, we showed that African football is prepared to face the top teams in the world with efficiency and playing at the highest level," Regragui said.
"We probably will only realise what we accomplished in Qatar after four years, in the next World Cup. The pressure will also be greater, there will be expectation around us. It's natural.
"We made a great achievement, but we want to do it again. It will not be easy but that's the objective."
Morocco create history by reaching semi-finals
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Morocco's Jawad El Yamiq celebrates after the 1-0 World Cup quarter-final win against Portugal at Al Thumama Stadium on December 10, 2022. Getty -
Yassine Bounou, Bilal El Khannouss, Reda Tagnaouti and Achraf Hakimi of Morocco celebrate the team's victory. Getty -
Walid Regragui, coach of Morocco, celebrates with the team. Getty -
Yahya Attiat-Allah of Morocco celebrates. Getty -
Morocco's Youssef En-Nesyri celebrates after scoring the only goal. Reuters -
Morocco's Youssef En-Nesyri heads home in the first half. AP -
Portugal's Otavio, Bruno Fernandes and Ruben Neves argue with referee Facundo Tello. Reuters -
Morocco manager Walid Regragui. EPA -
Portugal's Ruben Dias with Diogo Dalot. Getty -
Moussef En-Nesyri scores for Morocco. Reuters -
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo runs with the ball after coming on in the second half. AP -
Portugal's Bruno Fernandes goes down in the box but no penalty was given. Getty -
Portugal's Goncalo Ramos is helped up by Ruben Dias and Otavio. Reuters -
Morocco's Achraf Hakimi goes head-to-head with Otavio of Portugal. EPA -
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo talks with the referee Facundo Tello. AP -
Morocco's Romain Saiss is carried off in the second half. Getty -
Goncalo Ramos of Portugal reacts after missing a chance. Getty -
Phtographers surround Portugal subsitute Cristiano Ronaldo before the match. AP
Regragui, who was appointed only in August, said he hopes his side would leave a lasting legacy for African football.
"Through experience you get stronger and I hope we learn and grow and build in our children in Africa a football DNA that lasts," the former Morocco international said.
"We have now allowed children to dream, dream of being footballers and going to the World Cup. That is priceless. As for the impact in our country, we have set the bar high.
"I'm sure that in 15 years an African team will win the World Cup."
