“Hypnosis”, no less. That’s what Jesse Marsh is trying to do when he mentions that Morocco are favorites to win on Saturday, according to Moroccan media who were present at the two coaches’ press conferences.
We agree, it was funnier than anything else. But the question came up several times. Both at March’s press conference and when Moroccan journalists reached out to us to discuss the Canadian team during the day on Friday.
When Marsh states that Morocco has “no weak points” it is a fact, his words are perceived by Moroccans as a way to put all the “pressure” on the Lions of Atlas. It was as if he was trying to manipulate the threads of tension that would reign between the two teams this Saturday.
On the one hand, we know that Marsh is not above such strategies. We had an example of this when he admitted to using Alphonso Davies’ health as a “bait” after the group stage.
But when Canada’s coach says Morocco is the favorite to beat his team to the round of 16 at the World Cup, it’s not a lie.
“Let’s call a fact a fact,” Marsh responded to one such question. (…) Morocco itself has set the bar high, and it deserves it because the last six years of its program have been incredible. This is not manipulation. This is simply the reality of our two programs and proof of the respect we have for the Moroccan team. »
In any case, if there is a game between the teams aimed at putting more pressure on the opponent, then Moroccan coach Mohamed Ouahbi skillfully played on this.
“I don’t have to answer,” he began when asked about the hypothetical “hypnosis” Marsh would try to practice.
PHOTO BY RONALD CHEMIDT, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Moroccan coach Mohamed Ouahbi
Every coach and every player has the right to their opinion, and I respect it. We have a lot of respect for this team. We find this huge. She has qualities, many qualities.
Moroccan head coach Mohamed Ouahbi on Team Canada
Wahby says the match will be the “toughest” of the tournament in Morocco and perhaps the most “important of (his own) career.” However, the Moroccans had just beaten the Netherlands in the round of 16. What does he consider the most dangerous thing in Canada?
“This is the hardest part because that’s what we’re going to play,” he replies. Only this match matters, nothing else. (…) Canada, I really like their energy, their intensity. Everything is ready. Everything is controlled. They know exactly what to do with and without the ball, even on throw-ins. This is a prepared team with real personality and belief in their abilities. »
Lessons for 2022
Jesse Marsh recently re-watched Canada’s 2022 match against Morocco. However, both teams have changed significantly since then. Among the Moroccans, only 4 of the 11 starters in the last match against the Dutch faced the Canadians that year.
“There’s still a lot to learn,” he said. But both programs have changed a lot. The key will be to observe what Morocco is doing today. »
He will have no choice to analyze the challenge posed by the talented Achraf Hakimi on the Moroccan right lane. This is despite the fact that questions arise about the Moroccan captain’s eligibility to participate in this tournament.
PHOTO BY RONALD CHEMIDT, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi trained on Friday in Houston.
Hakimi is currently awaiting trial for rape in France. The player has always denied the “false” accusations made by the young woman who filed the complaint since he was involved in 2023.
The trial date is not yet known. The Canadian government has denied entry to Ghanaian player Thomas Partey, who faces seven such charges, for Ghana’s match against Panama in Toronto. But the rules are different in the United States, and Hakimi will be there on Saturday in Houston against Canada.
Obviously, none of this is the responsibility of the Canadian team. The task of stopping Hakimi will fall to Richie Laryea on the Canadian left flank. Because we don’t see Alphonso Davies starting after only playing 15 minutes in the last match.
Larya was there in 2022. Like Marsh, Wahby led the team between the two World Cups. If the latter agrees that there were already “many talented players” then, today “they are much calmer.”
“It’s a slightly different style, but the mentality is the same,” says Mohamed Wahbi. And according to the players who played against Belgium and Croatia in 2022, it was the toughest match in the group. »
So who ends up hypnotized?