SOCCER: Morocco have earned world's respect after beating Dutch, says coach Ouahbi

MONTERREY, Mexico — Mohamed Ouahbi said Morocco had earned widespread respect after eliminating the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout on Monday, adding that his players were driven by the responsibility of representing millions of supporters back home.

Morocco national football team defeated Netherlands national football team 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time to advance to the Round of 16, where they will face co-hosts Canada men's national soccer team.

The decisive moment came when Ismael Saibari converted the winning spot kick, following a crucial save by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to deny Crysencio Summerville.

“Morocco has gained everybody’s respect now,” Ouahbi told reporters. “It’s not because of what we’ve said. We’ve now shown it.”

Ouahbi, who rose from Morocco’s under-20 setup after guiding several youth teams to success, said his squad is motivated by more than just football results.

“This team, and all the Moroccan youth teams, are fighting for much, much more than just football or simply winning a match,” he said. “They know that behind them there are millions and millions of people.”

He noted the sacrifices of fans watching from home, many of whom stayed up late into the night to support the team.

“We played when it was two in the morning in Morocco, and we’re certain that most people stayed awake,” he said. “That gives you the energy not to give up, to keep going and to believe in yourself.”

Despite needing penalties to advance, Ouahbi insisted Morocco controlled much of the match.

“We completely dominated a Netherlands team,” he said. “We had 70% possession, more shots and more expected goals. We controlled the match.”

He added that Morocco’s game plan was to remain composed and rely on their goalkeeper in a shootout if necessary.

“We wanted to stay calm, play our game and believe that if it went to penalties we had an exceptional goalkeeper. We didn’t turn the match into a chaotic battle. We controlled it.”

Ouahbi also said the Netherlands’ defensive approach was unexpected but reflected Morocco’s growing reputation on the world stage.

“I really didn’t expect this kind of low block because the Netherlands like to have the ball and are very strong when they do,” he said. “I saw this type of play as a form of respect.”

The 49-year-old coach added that Morocco’s run to the semifinals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar has transformed the national mindset.

“For the past few years, Moroccan players believe in themselves and the supporters believe in us as well,” he said.

Looking ahead to the clash with Canada, Ouahbi warned that the next round would present another difficult test, but insisted his team would continue with confidence.

“Nobody can stop us if we play the football we know how to play,” he said. “But nobody is unbeatable. If we get things wrong, we’ll go home.” -Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Monterrey;Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters