Morocco Dares Portugal in Today's Quarter Final Game, Can they take them to the Cleaners [Qatar 2022 World Cup]

 

Morocco head into today's (Saturday) last-eight clash with Portugal knowing they are only one step away from making history as Africa's first World Cup semi-finalists, but they face a buoyant opposition fresh from scoring six goals against Switzerland. 

Walid Regragui's Moroccans are in uncharted territory after a surprise run which saw them finish top of Group F after beating Belgium and Canada before a stunning victory over Spain on penalties in the last 16. 

The Atlas Lions are only the fourth African side to reach the quarter-finals -- after Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010. 

Morocco have enjoyed the vast majority of support from the crowds at all their games in Qatar and that is likely to be the case again at Al Thumama Stadium. 

"I think it's impossible for us to do this without the fans," said coach Regragui after knocking out Spain.

There has still never been a country from outside Europe or South America in a World Cup final, but Morocco want to put that right. 

You can't take it away from us. Now, we are beginning to dream of the trophy; now, we are beginning to believe in ourselves that we can do it, and we can go for it now.

"Why not aim for the sky? We have changed really, we have changed our mentality," Regragui said after the group stage.

 "We're not going to stop here. We're going to respect every opponent. But we are going to be very difficult to opponents. So why not, we are already dreaming about lifting that trophy?" 

We are aware of Portuguese pedigree in world football, and their team here are very good, but we are going to give them a good fight. The fans, the climate is working for us

Morocco are unbeaten in seven matches since Regragui took over from the sacked Vahid Halilhodzic in August. They have conceded only once in that time, an own goal against Canada. 

Morocco have overcome several injury problems to get this far in Qatar, with full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui carrying knocks for most of the tournament. 

Centre-back Nayef Aguerd hobbled off injured against Spain, while captain Romain Saiss soldiered on despite picking up an injury during extra time. 

"Since the start of the competition, we've been playing with a team that's not 100 percent, that's why it's even more extraordinary," said Regragui. 

"We've managed to create a family, and we feel that we have the people behind us. We are ready mentally, physically and spiritual, ready to go all the way against Portugal and any other opponent that may come our way henceforth.