Morocco v France: A Captivating Quarter-Final Clash
The first quarter-final, Morocco v France, stands out as the most captivating and intriguing of the four matches, with Mohamed Ouahbi’s side—the only African team to reach the last eight—aiming for a second consecutive semi-final appearance. Osasu Obayiuwana provides further insight.
Over the past sixty years, Morocco has marked several milestones for Africa at the World Cup. They were the first African nation to qualify directly for the finals in 1970 in Mexico. Returning in 1986, they became the first African team to reach the last 16, and four years ago in Qatar, they made an impressive semi-final run.
Even if the Atlas Lions do not replicate their 2022 performance and lose to France on Thursday, they will have made history as the first African team to reach the quarter-finals in successive World Cups.
“The general feeling, amongst Moroccans, is pride and contentment in this team,” says Amine El Amri, a football journalist based in Casablanca who has closely observed fan reactions to the team’s performance. “The main goal before the competition was to reach the quarter-finals, given the context, given the change of manager, with the departure of Walid Regragui and the coming of Mohamed Ouahbi. I think the victory over the Netherlands cemented the reputation of Ouahbi as a trustworthy coach. Many doubts about him were cleared up after that match.
“Beating Canada in the way we did, despite having a very difficult first half, has also added to that confidence. You have to be in Casablanca, in Marrakech, in every city and little town, to just measure how happy people are [with the team]. Our Saturday night was crazy – no one slept.”
Fulham Confirm Alvaro Arbeloa as New Head Coach
Fulham Football Club has appointed Alvaro Arbeloa as their new head coach on a three-year contract. The 43-year-old former Spain full-back, who concluded last season managing Real Madrid, takes over following the departure of Marco Silva, who left for Benfica at the end of his contract.
“It is a real honour for me to be embarking on this new stage at Fulham FC, the oldest club in London.
“I feel a great sense of responsibility and I’m deeply grateful to Mr (Shahid) Khan and Tony Khan for the trust they have placed in me with Fulham in the Premier League.
“I am really looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere at Craven Cottage with Fulham fans.”
Fulham co-owner Shahid Khan expressed his enthusiasm about Arbeloa’s appointment:
“Alvaro was an original candidate who built an exceptional case through our meetings in June to become our next Head Coach, and it quickly became quite clear that he was – and is – the right choice.
“I am delighted that Alvaro has accepted the challenge to push Fulham forward, and I have no doubt that our squad, staff and fans will resonate with what his appointment means for the present and future of our club.”
“Alvaro is, by his own admission, very ambitious.
“He has spent quality time around the best players, clubs and methods in the game, experiences which will serve him well here at Fulham.”
World Cup Quarter-Finalists Confirmed
Greetings to all. Today marks a rare occurrence—a day without football after four weeks of continuous action. It presents an opportunity to catch up on chores or simply reflect until the quarter-finals commence on Thursday. Alternatively, discussions can continue here.
The identities of all quarter-finalists are now confirmed following a day typical of World Cups: a thrilling match accompanied by controversy and accusations of bias towards prominent teams and players, followed by a goalless draw where the side missing the clearest chances in 120 minutes eventually lost in a penalty shootout. Commiserations go to Colombia and Egypt, while congratulations are extended to Switzerland—reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in 72 years—and Argentina.
Below is the schedule for the last eight matches:
- 9 July: France v Morocco (Boston, 4pm local / 9pm BST / 6am 10 July AEST)
- 10 July: Spain v Belgium (Los Angeles, 12pm local / 8pm BST / 5am 11 July AEST)
- 11 July: Norway v England (Miami, 5pm local / 10pm BST / 7am 12 July AEST)
- 12 July: Argentina v Switzerland (Kansas, 8pm local / 2am BST / 11am AEST)
Further reports from yesterday’s matches are available.
