The Moroccan team has stunned the world yet again with its Paris Olympics run. In past years, they have surprised global soccer fans after performing extremely well in international competitions. They have shown the world that African nations are just as good, if not better, than many European countries that are looking to bring home some silverware to their domestic fans.
Morocco continually makes waves in the sporting world, showing why investment and effort in sports are key to developing the game. Only two years ago, they were shocking semifinalists in the World Cup, and they have continued to give the world exciting games after destroying the United States 4-0 in the Olympic semifinals.
Morocco to the Semifinals of the Olympics
Morocco easily defeated the USA in the quarterfinals of the Olympics, scoring four goals and letting in none against the North American side. Although the US has never been amazing at men’s soccer, with the women’s side a completely different story, nobody thought that Morocco was going to score as much as they did.
Morocco continually put pressure on the USA team in the first half, showing they weren’t scared of the team with much more financial backing and support than they have. They came out strong and maintained their strength, fitness, and pressure throughout the match. Soufiane Rahimi buried a spot-kick in the first half, and Morocco went into halftime with a 1-0 lead.
Although the US tried to fight back in the second half, Morocco netted a second goal in the 63rd minute off of a great team effort. Then, just seven minutes later, Hakimi had a brilliant solo effort that saw the Moroccans go up 3-0 — a scoreline that is hard to come back from. And, to add insult to injury, Maouhoub scored another penalty kick in extra time to embarrass the Americans and send them home from Paris once and for all.
Some of the key players throughout the game included Hakimi, a 25-year-old right back who gets a lot of joy running up and down the wing to add an attacking presence to the team. He was one of the best players in the 2022 World Cup semis and showed why he is a huge player for the North African side. He really set the tone at the beginning of the game and kept the Americans on the back foot the entire time.
The first goal came from Nathan Harriel fouling Rahimi while he tried to head an aerial ball out of the box. However, he had a foul called against him that saw Rahimi easily bury the spot kick past the keeper, Schulte. The next goal came from El Khannouss threading a beautiful pass to Ezzalzouli, who crossed the ball low to Akhoumach, who was able to smash the finishing touch past the keeper.
The third goal came from the Moroccans, who won a header in midfield and then recognized the space to drive at the Americans on the dribble. Hakimi then finished with a finely tuned and placed pass that trickled past the keeper.
Morocco in Olympics Semifinal
Up next, Morocco will face Spain in the Olympics semifinal to see which team will go on to fight for silver and gold. The odds are in favor of Spain winning the game, with Spain only having lost one match on the path to the semifinals. However, Morocco’s confidence and their record-breaking run could propel them past the European giants. Tune in to watch the game today to see who will progress to face either France or Egypt in the final Olympic match.
