Morocco produced a splendid display to send Spain packing from the World Cup. It was one of, if not the best from the North Africans in the tournament. Spain attempted to assert their authority from the off. They quickly settled into their tiki-taka style in an attempt to starve the north African side of the ball and sap their energy
However, while the possession Spain's, any semblance of panache belonged to Morocco. They settled into a solid defensive shape in their own half and looked to break out with pace at every opportunity, and it was a tactic that was working well.
Here are four things we learned from the game
Walid Regragui building a strong Morocco side
On paper, there is nothing particularly special about this Morocco team. Yet Walid Regragui has succeeded in creating a unit which is more worth more than the sum of its parts- and that bodes extremely well for the side. Every member of the team knew his individual and collective responsibilities on Tuesday, and although there were moments when the Atlas Lions relied on a bit of luck, they generally carried out their tasks well.
The confidence he has instilled in the team suggests a bright future; they play a lot with a huge gulf in quality and Regragui deserves the chance to build something long term if he so pleases.
Yassine Bounou, hero of the day
Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou became the hero after a hard-fought goalless draw. He saved two penalties as Spain missed all three with Sarabia, Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets all tamely missing in the shootout.
Spain have now won only two of ten major tournament matches under Luis Enrique in 90 minutes - against Slovakia and Costa Rica and that simply isn’t good enough for a nation of their stature. For Morocco though, the party moves onto the last eight. Portugal or Switzerland awaits, and who would back against them pulling off yet another shock?
Morocco into the quarter-finals for the very first time
Morocco’s victory over Spain ensured the Atlas Lions made it into the last 8 for the very first time in the African country’s rich footballing history. By this, they will become the fourth African country to achieve this feat after Cameroon, Senegal and Ghana. The Atlas Lions are also the only African country to advance to the last eight of this winter’s World Cup.
It is only a matter of time until Spain make a change in the dugout
Not only were the tactics wrong, but as has been the case for weeks now. Luis Enrique looked bereft of any inspiration. The players, as talented as they are, aren’t responding to his ideas, and it must have been a tough watch for the fans who were at the stadium to watch their team.
Speculation that Spain will make a managerial change will only increase, and it is becoming harder by the week to make a case for Enrique. Would it be too late? Well, the results would suggest not. A new manager would, at the very least, spark something that could get the club back to winning ways.
By: Godfred Budu
