Morocco coach Walid Regragui has turned ordinary misfits into World Cup semi-finalists. It’s a masterclass in how to motivate people
Now for the fans. In Qatar, they are the loudest. Wednesday night will feel like an intimidating away match for France. Their every touch will be jeered and whistled.
But the celebrations have gone round the planet. The Moroccan diaspora contains 5 million people, who rarely get to enjoy their dual belonging so much. They have become beacons for Africa and the Arab world. That’s why there have been fireworks and street celebrations from Brussels to Baghdad – and here in the UK in west London, Cardiff, Manchester, Edinburgh, St Albans and Slough, among others. They are also popular in Gaza and the West Bank for championing the Palestinian fight for a state.
Among Moroccans, this team will be heroes whatever happens tonight. The players speak of their legacy – of sending a message to future generations of Moroccans that they can compete at the highest level of football. Regragui says: “We are showing that you can succeed, even if you don’t have as much talent, as much quality, as much money.”
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