On June 28, Morocco coach Walid Regragui gave a pre-match interview, discussing the current FIFA World Cup format and related matters.

When asked if the expanded FIFA World Cup format was fair, Regragui said: "I wouldn't call it 'unfair.' The rules were established well in advance. After the draw, we already knew which teams we might face and how the entire tournament would work. Given that, there's nothing to complain about now. Of course, is this the ideal format? Perhaps not.

But we have no choice. FIFA has always been researching better formats, and I believe the competition will continue to improve. The biggest issue with the current format is comparing third-placed teams across groups. Sometimes a second-place team advances with just 3 points, while another third-place team with the same 3 points is eliminated. This does have some illogical aspects.

Additionally, it would be fairer if all group stage final matches kicked off simultaneously. However, due to practical considerations like TV broadcasting schedules, this is nearly impossible. So I don't believe there's a perfect format that satisfies everyone at present. Perhaps the Champions League format offers some lessons. For example, Scotland finished their matches early but couldn't know if they'd qualify as one of the best third-placed teams, while teams playing later could calculate their chances based on results. These issues may continue to be refined in the future, but I don't think a truly perfect solution exists yet."

When asked what he would say to Moroccan fans at home and worldwide supporting the team, Regragui stated: "Every day, through training and matches, we try to convey the same message to our fans: believe in us. We are very aware of our responsibilities and will give our best. Our team has many excellent players who are deeply committed, with strong personalities and a keen sense of responsibility. They understand that whatever we do, whatever we've achieved in the past, and whatever we achieve in the future, it is first and foremost for the Moroccan people, not for ourselves. I genuinely feel this every day during training. We have many true leader players, such as Achraf. Watching them train daily, eager to win for Morocco, I believe that actions speak louder than words. We demonstrate this every day, and we will continue to do so in tomorrow's match. Today I don't need to make promises to the fans—our actions are the best answer."

When asked about Morocco's increased international attention and how he views Netherlands coach Koeman's comments about favorite teams, Regragui said: "First, we've received a very warm welcome everywhere. After arriving in Mexico, both the team and players deeply felt the local fans' enthusiasm. To be honest, at the end of the group stage, we originally hoped to finish first to minimize travel. But coming to Mexico as group runners-up, we're actually very pleased. Many players are familiar with the area—some have played in Monterrey. We know how much the Mexican people love football; they appreciate teams like Morocco. We're very grateful for the welcome from local fans, especially outside our hotel.

As for favorites, my answer has always been the same. It doesn't matter to me who others consider favorites. What truly determines the outcome is the match itself, not pre-match discussions. Whether we or the Netherlands are considered favorites makes no difference to us. However, I believe Morocco has now earned the respect of the football world, which is gratifying. Of course, this respect must continue to be proven on the pitch, not through words at a press conference. This is the result of years of hard work by Moroccan football. Now opponents truly respect Morocco, and we respect the Netherlands. They are a great football powerhouse, and I know them better than many. This will definitely be a high-level match. I hope it will be one of the most exciting matches of this World Cup, like our earlier match against Brazil."

When asked about Netherlands forward Brian Brobbey, Regragui said: "Of course, we prepare for every player. I know Brobbey well. Back during the U-17 era, I coached a team in the Future Cup in Amsterdam and faced him. We successfully contained him in that match and kept him from scoring. He was already physically dominant then, with excellent back-to-goal ability—using his body well to hold off defenders and create opportunities for teammates. However, the Netherlands isn't a team where you only need to focus on one player. They have quality in every position. So we've developed a comprehensive defensive plan, not just targeting Brobbey."

When asked if the Netherlands' older squad would be a disadvantage if the match went to extra time, Regragui said: "I don't believe so. A 28 or 29-year-old player doesn't run less than a 22-year-old just because of age. In fact, they have more experience. Age isn't truly decisive. In matches like this, mental endurance is what determines the outcome—a factor many overlook. The ability to maintain concentration for 90 minutes, or even 120, is most important. This ability isn't solely determined by age. So we focus more on mental preparation."

When asked how to limit the Netherlands' efficient attack, Regragui said: "They are indeed a very efficient team. The reason is simple: they have excellent players. But as I said before, we always focus on executing our own game plan. In recent days, we've specifically trained to counter some of their characteristics while refining details from previous matches.

One point everyone should note: whether facing Brazil, Scotland, or Haiti, our opponents actually haven't created many genuine chances. Even when Haiti scored twice, they had only about three real scoring opportunities near Bounou's goal throughout the match. So defensive success isn't just about limiting shots—it's more about preventing clear-cut chances. To achieve this, we must press them far from our penalty area. That's how we truly reduce their threat."

AF's PC site is now live! Browse full news, comments, match details and stats on your computer. Visit: www.allfootballapp.com