The way Morocco's players performed throughout the World Cup so far, and the essence they have shown in carrying on their dream run to make history, becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals, back the notion that the majestic feat is no fluke. Here are six reasons why:
European upbringing, whereabouts and the perfect mix
Where and how the players grew up in the leagues they play in determined their character on the pitch, and here we have got a total of 14 players in the Morocco squad who were born and raised in six different countries including France, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium and Italy.
For instance, one of the top performers Achraf Hakimi was born in Madrid, and raised in the youth set-up of Real Madrid. He then played for top European teams including Real senior side, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and finally, Paris Saint Germain. Captain and defender Romain Saiss was born in France and currently plays for Besiktas after six-year stint at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech was born in the Netherlands and earned his stripes at Ajax.
Besides, there are only five players in the 26-man squad, including two unused goalkeepers who play outside Europe. The perfect mix of these talented players has shown what they can do on the greatest show on earth.
Disciplined, organized and team chemistry long time in the making
The key members have been playing together in the national team for a long time, with goalkeeping hero Yassine Bounou, defenders Hakimi and Saiss, midfielders Sofyan Amrabat, Ziyech and forward Youssef En—Nesyri having more than 40 international caps.
This experienced defence and midfield line have also been organized, disciplined and solid, which was evident during their qualification campaign where they conceded three goals - two of which came in a 5-2 aggregate win over DR Congo in the final knockout round.
There's not so much surprise why they have shipped just one goal during their unbeaten run in the five matches of the Qatar World Cup so far.
Tactical genius of Regragui, and his managerial approach
There were specific reasons why the Moroccan players lifted their coach Walid Regragui into the air with ecstatic joy while celebrating the knockout wins, and the wheels were set in motion 100 days ago when the French-born coach took charge of the team.
His first assignment was calling Ziyech and Noussair Mazraoui back to the team, and these two players have been instrumental in Qatar.
Apart from knowing the Moroccan culture and how to interact with the players and inspire them, the 47-year old is also adept at reading the game-plans of mighty opponents and setting his own tactics accordingly.
Amrabat told ESPN that the tactician also excites the players for every game, and gets them pumped up. They enter the pitch with a mentality of “we are not afraid” and this is the secret behind their fearless defending.
Regragui himself was a hard-tackling defender who notched up 45 caps for the Atlas Lions and since becoming a coach, he has scripted success everywhere he has been and the ongoing adventure is just the continuation.
Strong team spirit, deep family bonds and Arab vibes
The team spirit has enabled them to reach for the stars since the beginning of the tournament as Regragui told reporters that they need to change their mentality, which would in turn make them difficult to beat.
“Why not dream about winning that trophy? As African teams, we need to set this objective," he had said previously before executing much of his ideas in the form of sheer team spirit.
Strong family bonding among the Moroccan players also played a silent role behind their success and courageous performance.
One of the most heartwarming photos of the World Cup was Hakimi kissing his mother after the Spain game. Sofiane Boufal dancing with his mother after the quarter-final win was also another evidence. Regragui himself was also filmed going to the stands to embrace his mother.
There might as well be a geographical factor in play as the tournament is being played in the Arab region for the first time, and Morocco has been backed by boisterous support from the environs, which gave them feelings of a home away from home.
A rich football history and heritage
Morocco established itself as one of the best teams on the continent since gaining independence in the middle of 1950s.
They were the first African nation to qualify for the knockout stage of the World Cup in 1986, earning 0-0 draws against Poland and England before defeating Portugal 3-1 to finish at top of the group. Facing eventual finalists West Germany in the Round of 16, Morocco fell to an 88th-minute winner by Lothar Matthaus.
They qualified for the World Cup five times. They also clinched their first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1976, and finished as runners up in 2004.
Federation's long-term planning on football matters
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FMRF) should also deserve credit as the federation – with the backing of King Mohammed VI – decided to refurbish the nation's football structure.
The FMRF inaugurated its national football academy in 2009 which helped develop current international players like Nayef Aguerd and En-Nesyri as well as trying to uncover talent in the Moroccan diaspora by employing scouts across Europe to identify eligible youth players.
The crown jewel of Morocco's football investment is the Mohammed VI Football Complex which contains four five-star hotels, eight Fifa standard pitches – one of which is indoor in a climate-controlled building.
That investment over the last decade has gradually begun to pay off.
