By Karolos Grohmann
AL RAYYAN, Qatar (Reuters) – Morocco will play to win against eliminated Canada in their final World Cup Group F match on Thursday to fly the African flag high even though a draw would be enough to send them through, coach Walid Regragui said on Wednesday.
The North Africans are seeking to reach the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in nearly four decades.
“It will be like playing a final,” Regragui told a news conference. “Canada have nothing to lose. They are already out and it is up to them to hold their heads high. We also have a lot to get out of the game and a lot to lose.”
After snatching a goalless draw against 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia, Morocco sealed their first World Cup win in 24 years with a 2-0 victory over Belgium 2-0 on Sunday.
Thursday’s opponents Canada are already out of the tournament after losing their two first games, but they will want to leave on a high and record their first ever World Cup victory.
“We are motivated and we know that as long as the referee does not blow the whistle we have not qualified or achieved anything,” Regragui said.
“The most important thing is after the game to move to the next round. We hope to fly the flag of African football high.”
A win or draw would make sure Morocco advance to the Round of 16 for the first time since 1986.
If Canada prevail, Morocco will need Belgium to beat Croatia in the other Group F match, with the goal difference determining if they or Croatia advance.
“What we wanted is to be ambassadors of our own destiny and not rely on other results,” the coach said. “Either a win or a draw, this is what we need. I don’t care what Canada need. They want to make their own history. Now it is our role to demonstrate that we are worthy of advancing.”
“It would be an error to go in and give it 20 or 30%. We face a team who want to win it. We are there to win as well. Looking for the draw would be a mistake.”
Their victory over Belgium sparked euphoria among players, wild celebrations among fans – and even riots in Brussels.
Regragui called on Morocco fans in Europe to celebrate the result with respect for the country they live in.
“I think it is very difficult to see people doing that,” he said. “They need to respect the country they were born in and where they live.”
“But these (rioters) are not Moroccan people. You need to respect everyone. You can have a party but need to be respectful. I don’t like what happened.”
(Reporting by Karolos Grohmann; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
