Morocco coach: No praise yet, we want World Cup title

Morocco's World Cup journey is far from over, according to coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who insists his team will not be satisfied with their progress until they lift the trophy. Ahead of a quarter-final rematch against France, Ouahbi stressed that any evaluation of their performance will happen only after the tournament concludes.

"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'." He rejected the notion that reaching this stage was an achievement in itself, stating, "No, the bonus is to win the World Cup. This is how we have come this far and we will go further."

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We will take stock at the end of the tournament. 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'.

France, the reigning champions, are considered favorites, but Ouahbi is confident in his team's ability to compete. He acknowledged the strength of France's forward line, including Kylian Mbappe, who has scored seven goals in the tournament. However, he believes Morocco has evolved and is capable of challenging any opponent.

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France are favourites but we will do everything possible to win tomorrow and qualify for the semi-finals. 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.

"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 percent and not think what we have done up to now is not bad."

Morocco has impressed throughout the tournament, topping their group and eliminating the Netherlands and co-hosts Canada. Their confident approach, as articulated by Ouahbi, signals their ambition to be more than just participants, but genuine contenders for the World Cup title.

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It is not a question of assets. 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 per cent and not think what we have done up to now is not bad.