Morocco coach Ouahbi: Canada match will be toughest yet

Mohamed Ouahbi, the coach of the Moroccan national football team, anticipates their upcoming Round of 16 World Cup match against Canada will be the most difficult of their tournament thus far. Ouahbi expressed his confidence in his assessment, noting that he "rarely" makes mistakes in such predictions.

"I told the players that this will be the most important match of our World Cup, and it is the most complicated one so far. And I rarely make mistakes in these things. It will be a very difficult match. They know it, we know it," Ouahbi stated during a press conference in Houston.

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I told the players that this will be the most important match of our World Cup, and it is the most complicated one so far. And I rarely make mistakes in these things. It will be a very difficult match. They know it, we know it.

Morocco advanced to this stage after eliminating the Netherlands in a penalty shootout during the previous round. Canada's coach, Jesse Marsch, described the Moroccan team as having "zero weaknesses," a sentiment that North African media interpreted as an attempt to apply psychological pressure.

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I don't think I have to answer; every coach can share their opinion. I am just focusing on my job for this match. We respect Canada a lot; we have every reason to respect their quality. The level we have shown in the first matches will not be enough to win tomorrow. We have to be focused.

Ouahbi, however, remained focused on his team's performance, stating, "I don't think I have to answer; every coach can share their opinion. I am just focusing on my job for this match. We respect Canada a lot; we have every reason to respect their quality. The level we have shown in the first matches will not be enough to win tomorrow. We have to be focused."

He also expressed full confidence in player Brahim Díaz, who has faced some criticism regarding his performance in the tournament. Ouahbi highlighted Díaz's assists and defensive contributions, emphasizing that while great players are always expected to deliver more, his physical and mental well-being is paramount for the team's long journey. The team supports Díaz, and they are pleased with his overall contributions.

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I am very satisfied with his assists and his defensive contribution. We always expect more from the great ones, but for me, the important thing is that he is physically well. The tournament is long; he doesn't have to solve matches every day. I think he is mentally well, the team supports him, and we are happy with his performances.