Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi says his team are not satisfied with reaching the World Cup quarterfinals and are aiming to win the title.
Morocco will face France on Friday in a repeat of the 2022 World Cup semifinal. France ended Morocco’s dream run in Qatar, but Ouahbi believes his team can go even further this time.
“We will take stock at the end of the tournament,” Ouahbi told reporters.
“I will not say anything now because we can have more. We are not going to listen to people who will say ‘what you have done up to now is wonderful’.”
Ouahbi said France are the favourites, but his players will do everything to reach the semifinals.
“France are favourites but we will do everything possible to win tomorrow and qualify for the semi-finals,” Ouahbi said.
“I don’t like this feeling ‘we have done well to get here and all the rest is bonus’. No, the bonus is to win the World Cup. This is how we have come this far and we will go further.”
France reached the quarterfinals after beating Paraguay 1-0 in the round of 16 with a penalty from Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe has scored seven goals in the tournament. France also have attacking players like Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola.
Morocco finished their group campaign unbeaten before knocking out the Netherlands and co hosts Canada.
Ouahbi said his side must improve again against France.
“It is not a question of assets,” Ouahbi said.
“The Moroccan side is evolving as is France. The key is to play the match without regrets. There are things to improve tomorrow. We have to play at 2,000% and not think what we have done up to now is not bad.”
