Wahbi After Defeating the Netherlands: We Did Not Come to the World Cup Just for This Qualification
Mohamed Wahbi, the head coach of the Moroccan national team, revealed the key factors that led the "Atlas Lions" to surpass the Dutch team and qualify for the Round of 16 in the 2026 World Cup, after an exciting victory in a penalty shootout with a score of (3-2), following a (1-1) draw in regular and extra time. He emphasized that effectively managing the course of the match and the players' mental composure were the keys to achieving victory.
During the press conference following the match, Wahbi explained that the coaching staff faced a tactical surprise from the Dutch team, despite expecting the opponent to rely on defensive consolidation. He pointed out that the way the Dutch players moved when in possession of the ball confused the Moroccan team during the first half.
The national coach said, "We were surprised by the Netherlands' plan. We knew they would play with a low defense, but we didn't know how they would act when they had the ball. After the first half, with the help of the technical staff, we were able to understand their style of play and control them better."
The coach of the "Atlas Lions" confirmed that the tactical adjustments made between the halves and during the match contributed to changing the balance of the game. He praised the players' responsiveness to the instructions, whether those who started the match or the substitutes who came off the bench.
He added, "We played well, and I have great confidence in the players. The changes we made were aimed at making the team stronger. We need all the players in every match."
Wahbi praised the performance of the young talents within the team, explaining that players born in 2005, such as Jassim Yassin, Samir Al-Mourabit, and Shams Al-Din Talbi, succeeded in providing the required contribution. This reflects the quality of work being done at the youth levels and the future of Moroccan football.
In his discussion about the status that the Moroccan national team has achieved, the coach emphasized that the playing style of the Dutch team reflected the level of respect that the "Atlas Lions" have commanded on the international stage, affirming that this recognition was not by chance, but rather the result of a long-term project.
He said: "Everyone now respects the Moroccan national team, and this did not come out of nowhere, but as a result of long-term work across various age groups. When you see the Netherlands defending like this against us, it means they respect us."
He added: "It was a tough match against a strong team, but we imposed our control over the course of the game. The Netherlands retreated into defense, and we knew our goal would come with patience and building attacks correctly."
Wahbi revealed the message he conveyed to his players in the final moments of the match, which he considered an additional motivation to fight until the end, saying: "I told the players that there are 44 million Moroccans who will go to work without sleep, so we must fight to make them happy, and there is no room for doubt or surrender."
He concluded his speech by saying: "We must now regain our energy, as we did not come to the World Cup just to beat the Netherlands, but to achieve a greater accomplishment, God willing. The journey is not over yet; we must maintain our humility and continue to believe in our abilities to achieve more."
The Moroccan national team is set to face its Canadian counterpart in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, in a match where the "Atlas Lions" aim to continue their successful journey and write a new chapter in their World Cup history.
During the press conference following the match, Wahbi explained that the coaching staff faced a tactical surprise from the Dutch team, despite expecting the opponent to rely on defensive consolidation. He pointed out that the way the Dutch players moved when in possession of the ball confused the Moroccan team during the first half.
The national coach said, "We were surprised by the Netherlands' plan. We knew they would play with a low defense, but we didn't know how they would act when they had the ball. After the first half, with the help of the technical staff, we were able to understand their style of play and control them better."
The coach of the "Atlas Lions" confirmed that the tactical adjustments made between the halves and during the match contributed to changing the balance of the game. He praised the players' responsiveness to the instructions, whether those who started the match or the substitutes who came off the bench.
He added, "We played well, and I have great confidence in the players. The changes we made were aimed at making the team stronger. We need all the players in every match."
Wahbi praised the performance of the young talents within the team, explaining that players born in 2005, such as Jassim Yassin, Samir Al-Mourabit, and Shams Al-Din Talbi, succeeded in providing the required contribution. This reflects the quality of work being done at the youth levels and the future of Moroccan football.
In his discussion about the status that the Moroccan national team has achieved, the coach emphasized that the playing style of the Dutch team reflected the level of respect that the "Atlas Lions" have commanded on the international stage, affirming that this recognition was not by chance, but rather the result of a long-term project.
He said: "Everyone now respects the Moroccan national team, and this did not come out of nowhere, but as a result of long-term work across various age groups. When you see the Netherlands defending like this against us, it means they respect us."
He added: "It was a tough match against a strong team, but we imposed our control over the course of the game. The Netherlands retreated into defense, and we knew our goal would come with patience and building attacks correctly."
Wahbi revealed the message he conveyed to his players in the final moments of the match, which he considered an additional motivation to fight until the end, saying: "I told the players that there are 44 million Moroccans who will go to work without sleep, so we must fight to make them happy, and there is no room for doubt or surrender."
He concluded his speech by saying: "We must now regain our energy, as we did not come to the World Cup just to beat the Netherlands, but to achieve a greater accomplishment, God willing. The journey is not over yet; we must maintain our humility and continue to believe in our abilities to achieve more."
The Moroccan national team is set to face its Canadian counterpart in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, in a match where the "Atlas Lions" aim to continue their successful journey and write a new chapter in their World Cup history.
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