UAE

A Closer Look: Morocco's historic run in the World Cup 2022

The National examines just what it took for the African team to make it to the semi-finals

The National

December 16, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

A Closer Look is The National's show where we take a more in-depth look at one of the main stories of the week.

The greatly anticipated Qatar World Cup 2022 is now one match away from finding the winner. Yet one of the teams that did not make the final has been making most of the headlines in a tournament that has provided more than a couple of shock results.

Morocco, a country with about half the population of France, had a historic run in Doha, beating big name teams such as Spain and Portugal. It was the first time a team from Africa had made it to the semi-finals and it seemed every Arabic-speaking country was supporting them.

Here, host Sarah Forster is joined in the studio by The National's Tim Knowles and in Doha by Ali Al Shouk to discuss how this unexpected success came about and what it means for the region.

Read more

Morocco leave the World Cup, but they are not defeated

Walid Regragui now wants Morocco 'to qualify for every World Cup' after Qatar heroics

  • GROUP STAGE: Morocco 0-0 Croatia: Sofyan Amrabat and his Morocco teammates greet fans after their opening match of World Cup 2022 Group F ended in a draw at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor on November 23, 2022. EPA
    GROUP STAGE: Morocco 0-0 Croatia: Sofyan Amrabat and his Morocco teammates greet fans after their opening match of World Cup 2022 Group F ended in a draw at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor on November 23, 2022. EPA
  • Croatia's Lovro Majer is challenged by Morocco captain Romain Saiss. Morocco were widely praised for holding the 2018 runners-up to a goalless draw. AFP
    Croatia's Lovro Majer is challenged by Morocco captain Romain Saiss. Morocco were widely praised for holding the 2018 runners-up to a goalless draw. AFP
  • Belgium 0-2 Morocco: Achraf Hakimi, left, and Noussair Mazraoui celebrate after Morocco's second goal during their World Cup Group F match at Al Thumama Stadium on November 27, 2022. This is the match that kick-started Morocco's incredible run in Qatar. Getty
    Belgium 0-2 Morocco: Achraf Hakimi, left, and Noussair Mazraoui celebrate after Morocco's second goal during their World Cup Group F match at Al Thumama Stadium on November 27, 2022. This is the match that kick-started Morocco's incredible run in Qatar. Getty
  • Morocco's Sofyan Amrabat challenges Amadou Onana of Belgium. Amrabat emerged as a midfield enforcer for Morocco, who remained unbeaten in the group stage. Getty
    Morocco's Sofyan Amrabat challenges Amadou Onana of Belgium. Amrabat emerged as a midfield enforcer for Morocco, who remained unbeaten in the group stage. Getty
  • Canada 1-2 Morocco: Morocco's Youssef En-Nesyri, left, celebrates with Sofiane Boufal after scoring his side's second goal at Al Thumama Stadium on December 1, 2022. The African nation secured their place in the World Cup last 16 for first time since 1986. AP
    Canada 1-2 Morocco: Morocco's Youssef En-Nesyri, left, celebrates with Sofiane Boufal after scoring his side's second goal at Al Thumama Stadium on December 1, 2022. The African nation secured their place in the World Cup last 16 for first time since 1986. AP
  • Morocco's Sofyan Amrabat, left, and Alphonso Davies of Canada battle for possession. Goals from Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri ensured the North Africans finished top of Group F. AP
    Morocco's Sofyan Amrabat, left, and Alphonso Davies of Canada battle for possession. Goals from Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri ensured the North Africans finished top of Group F. AP
  • ROUND-OF-16: Morocco 0-0 Spain (Morocco win on penalties). Morocco players celebrate after their win in the last-16 match against Spain at the Education City Stadium on December 06, 2022. The North African nation made it to the quarter-finals for first time. Getty
    ROUND-OF-16: Morocco 0-0 Spain (Morocco win on penalties). Morocco players celebrate after their win in the last-16 match against Spain at the Education City Stadium on December 06, 2022. The North African nation made it to the quarter-finals for first time. Getty
  • Alvaro Morata of Spain after missing chance during the last-16 match against Morocco. Achraf Hakimi converted the decisive spot kick for Morocco with a cheeky 'Panenka' in the penalty shoot-out. Getty
    Alvaro Morata of Spain after missing chance during the last-16 match against Morocco. Achraf Hakimi converted the decisive spot kick for Morocco with a cheeky 'Panenka' in the penalty shoot-out. Getty
  • QUARTER-FINALS: Morocco 1-0 Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal looks dejected after his team's defeat in the World Cup quarter-final at Al Thumama Stadium on December 10, 2022. Getty
    QUARTER-FINALS: Morocco 1-0 Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal looks dejected after his team's defeat in the World Cup quarter-final at Al Thumama Stadium on December 10, 2022. Getty
  • Morocco's Sofiane Boufal, right, celebrates with his mother after his team's win in the World Cup quarter-final against Portugal. AP
    Morocco's Sofiane Boufal, right, celebrates with his mother after his team's win in the World Cup quarter-final against Portugal. AP
  • Morocco's goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, left, celebrates with Achraf Hakimi after guiding their team to the World Cup semi-final. AP
    Morocco's goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, left, celebrates with Achraf Hakimi after guiding their team to the World Cup semi-final. AP
Which honey takes your fancy?

Al Ghaf Honey

The Al Ghaf tree is a local desert tree which bears the harsh summers with drought and high temperatures. From the rich flowers, bees that pollinate this tree can produce delicious red colour honey in June and July each year

Sidr Honey

The Sidr tree is an evergreen tree with long and strong forked branches. The blossom from this tree is called Yabyab, which provides rich food for bees to produce honey in October and November. This honey is the most expensive, but tastiest

Samar Honey

The Samar tree trunk, leaves and blossom contains Barm which is the secret of healing. You can enjoy the best types of honey from this tree every year in May and June. It is an historical witness to the life of the Emirati nation which represents the harsh desert and mountain environments

The Vile

Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah

Director: Majid Al Ansari

Rating: 4/5

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

LOVE%20AGAIN
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Jim%20Strouse%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStars%3A%20Priyanka%20Chopra%20Jonas%2C%20Sam%20Heughan%2C%20Celine%20Dion%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%202%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Results

5pm: Wadi Nagab – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,200m; Winner: Al Falaq, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Ahmed Al Shemaili (trainer)

5.30pm: Wadi Sidr – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: AF Majalis, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel

6pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: AF Fakhama, Fernando Jara, Mohamed Daggash

6.30pm: Wadi Shees – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Mutaqadim, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

7pm: Arabian Triple Crown Round-1 – Listed (PA) Dh230,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Bahar Muscat, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

7.30pm: Wadi Tayyibah – Maiden (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Poster Paint, Patrick Cosgrave, Bhupat Seemar

The specs

Engine: 4.0-litre V8

Power: 503hp at 6,000rpm

Torque: 685Nm at 2,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Price: from Dh850,000

On sale: now

Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHakbah%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2018%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENaif%20AbuSaida%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESaudi%20Arabia%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E22%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%24200%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Epre-Series%20A%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EGlobal%20Ventures%20and%20Aditum%20Investment%20Management%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Tearful appearance

Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday. 

Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow. 

She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.

A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.

While you're here
Our legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

The view from The National
Europe’s rearming plan
  • Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
  • Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
  • Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
  • Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
  • Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
 
  • Grade 9 = above an A*
  • Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
  • Grade 7 = grade A
  • Grade 6 = just above a grade B
  • Grade 5 = between grades B and C
  • Grade 4 = grade C
  • Grade 3 = between grades D and E
  • Grade 2 = between grades E and F
  • Grade 1 = between grades F and G
FIGHT CARD

From 5.30pm in the following order:

Featherweight

Marcelo Pontes (BRA) v Azouz Anwar (EGY)

Catchweight 90kg

Moustafa Rashid Nada (KSA) v Imad Al Howayeck (LEB)

Welterweight

Mohammed Al Khatib (JOR) v Gimbat Ismailov (RUS)

Flyweight (women)

Lucie Bertaud (FRA) v Kelig Pinson (BEL)

Lightweight

Alexandru Chitoran (BEL) v Regelo Enumerables Jr (PHI)

Catchweight 100kg

Mohamed Ali (EGY) v Marc Vleiger (NED)

Featherweight

James Bishop (AUS) v Mark Valerio (PHI)

Welterweight

Gerson Carvalho (BRA) v Abdelghani Saber (EGY)

Middleweight 

Bakhtiyar Abbasov (AZE) v Igor Litoshik (BLR)

Bantamweight:

Fabio Mello (BRA) v Mark Alcoba (PHI)

Welterweight

Ahmed Labban (LEB) v Magomedsultan Magemedsultanov (RUS)

Bantamweight

Trent Girdham (AUS) v Jayson Margallo (PHI)

Lightweight

Usman Nurmagomedov (RUS) v Roman Golovinov (UKR)

Middleweight

Tarek Suleiman (SYR) v Steve Kennedy (AUS)

Lightweight

Dan Moret (USA) v Anton Kuivanen (FIN)

Match info

Manchester United 1
Fred (18')

Wolves 1
Moutinho (53')

ESSENTIALS

The flights 
Fly Etihad or Emirates from the UAE to Moscow from 2,763 return per person return including taxes. 
Where to stay 
Trips on the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian cost from US$16,995 (Dh62,414) per person, based on two sharing.

World record transfers

1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

Updated: March 06, 2024, 8:24 AM
World CupMoroccoA Closer Look

More Podcasts

DAMASCUS, SYRIA - DECEMBER 08: People watch soldiers and military vehicles parade through the streets to mark one year since the fall of the Assad regime on December 8, 2025 in Damascus, Syria. The first anniversary of the fall of the Assad regime in Syria is being marked today across the country. Former leader Bashar al-Assad was granted asylum in Russia after he fled the country and his government collapsed on December 8, 2024. The fall of the regime, which ended over five decades of the Assad family's rule, came after a rapid offensive by opposition forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). A transitional government, headed by Ahmed al-Sharaa (formerly the HTS leader), is now in place and working on the country's reconstruction and political transition. (Photo by Chris McGrath / Getty Images)

The year in impact: our episodes that resonated the most in 2025

The year in culture: top reads, movies and moments of 2025

The year in culture: top reads, movies and moments of 2025

Fatema Al Nuaimi, CEO of Adnoc Gas. Victor Besa / The National

How Adnoc Gas is expanding its network to meet AI data centre demands

Members of the forces of Yemen's main separatist group, the Southern Transitional Council, look on as they arrive in a mountainous area where they are launching a military operation in the southern province of Abyan, Yemen, December 15, 2025. REUTERS / Stringer

How Yemen’s power balance is shifting again

More podcasts

The UAE Today

The latest news and analysis from the Emirates

          By signing up, I agree to The National's privacy policy. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
          The UAE Today