'Reaching the semi-finals is not enough...': Morocco coach on 'important' strategy against defending champions France

In this edition of the FIFA World Cup, Morocco showcased their prowess by registering impressive victories against Belgium, Spain and Portugal.

As Morocco prepares to face defending champions France, coach Walid Regargui claimed that reaching the FIFA World Cup semi-finals was not enough. In the tournament's 92-year history, Morocco made history last week by becoming the first Arab and African country to qualify for football's biggest event.

"We are playing world champions with many world-class players and a very good coach," Regargui said.

"We will show a lot of desire and try to cause an upset. Why not reach the final of the World Cup? We can dream, it doesn't cost you anything to dream."

"I don't know if it will be enough... I know we are not favourites, but we are confident," Regargui said. "We are going to fight to move forward for the Arab world, for the African countries."

In this edition of the FIFA World Cup, the Moroccan players showcased their prowess by registering impressive wins against European heavyweights Belgium, Spain and Portugal.

'Team spirit' essential for victory against FIFA

And for the next match against defending champions France, the coach says that having "team spirit" was going to be important both tactically and mentally.

“Everyone wants to give their best in every game. We play a collective game with a good spirit," Regargui said. "For me, that's the most important thing in football."

"The best team of the tournament, Brazil, is already out. We are an ambitious team and we are hungry but I don't know if that will be enough," he said.

Wednesday's match has cultural and political connotations - Morocco was under French rule from 1912-56 - and the outcome is far from a foregone conclusion many will anticipate by looking at the names of the players and the rankings of the teams.

The Moroccan national team relies heavily on the diaspora, with 14 of the team's 26 players being born abroad, including their French-born coach Walid Regargui, the highest proportion for any team at the World Cup. .