Morocco coach questions Mbappe's goal in World Cup exit

Morocco's World Cup journey ended with a 0-2 defeat to France in the quarterfinals, a result that saw the Atlas Lions eliminated by the same opponent for the second consecutive tournament. Coach Walid Regragui, however, remained proud of his team's efforts and expressed optimism for Moroccan football's future.

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Some players stopped because there was a handball, and it was indeed a handball. I don't know if that ball should have been called, I really don't know, but in the end, it was Mbappe who broke through with his individual ability and put the ball in the net.

Regragui pointed to a controversial moment in the 60th minute, suggesting that French midfielder Adrien Rabiot may have committed a handball in the build-up to Kylian Mbappe's opening goal. "Some players stopped because there was a handball, and it was indeed a handball," Regragui stated, expressing uncertainty about the referee's decision. He acknowledged that Mbappe ultimately scored through individual brilliance.

Despite the loss, Regragui lauded his players' resilience and improvement throughout the match. "We have to admit we faced a very good team," he said. "In the first half, we struggled, but Bono's save on that penalty kept us in the game. In the second half, our defense improved, and more importantly, we were calmer on the ball." He emphasized the need to build on this performance and ensure depth within the squad for future competitions.

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We have to admit we faced a very good team. In the first half, we struggled, but Bono's save on that penalty kept us in the game. In the second half, our defense improved, and more importantly, we were calmer on the ball.

Morocco's run to the quarterfinals, following their historic semi-final appearance in the previous World Cup, has been a significant achievement. Regragui stressed that the team's disappointment would not lead to despair. "We will keep moving forward and will never stop here," he vowed. "We are very disappointed because we wanted to go further, but we have to accept the result. If we continue on this path, the future will be bright."

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We will keep moving forward and will never stop here. We are very disappointed because we wanted to go further, but we have to accept the result. If we continue on this path, the future will be bright.