The team is focused on preparing for the knockout round after a strong performance in the group stage against South Korea on Friday
Coach Mohamed Ouahbi stated that Morocco will approach the U20 World Cup Round of 16 with calmness and sharpness.
Although they were beaten by Mexico 1-0 in Valparaíso’s final Group C match, they still top the group to progress.
Mohamed Ouahbi acknowledged Mexico’s superiority, stating, “We tried, but we didn’t succeed. We need to keep improving as we prepare for the Round of 16.”
The coach said little about the aspects of the game, instead attributing the defeat to squad rotation.
“The Mexicans were better than us.” He said, “The match was decided on minor details, the second ball and duels, which they won more than us.” He was also frustrated. But Ali Maamar received a yellow card and just five minutes of stoppage time; however, he admitted, “That’s not the cause of our defeat.”
Following two opening victories against Brazil and Spain, Ouahbi called the loss to Mexico a reality check that will assist his team going forward. This loss let us ground our feet. “This reverse will benefit us going forward,” he observed.
Having already impressed in the group stage with victories over Spain (2-0) and Brazil (2-1), Morocco qualified before the final game.
Six points put them top of Group C ahead of Mexico on five, Spain on four, and Brazil on one, despite losing to Mexico. Spain defeated Brazil 1–0 in the other group match.
