According to Brazilian media outlet Globo Esporte, during a pre-match press conference ahead of Morocco's clash with the Netherlands, Morocco coach Walid Regragui shared his thoughts on the expanded FIFA World Cup format.

After giving Brazil a tough time in the group stage, Morocco will make their knockout stage debut at the FIFA World Cup. They will face a strong Netherlands side on Tuesday at 9 a.m. Beijing time (CEST) in Monterrey, Mexico. Goalkeeper Bono and head coach Walid Regragui attended the press conference together, calling the match a "clash of giants."

The matchups between groups after the group stage was the topic Regragui discussed most extensively. He was asked whether it was fair that teams with 7 points, like Brazil, would face the Netherlands in the first knockout round. Regragui answered that the rules had been clear from the start and he couldn't complain, but he still shared his views on the new expanded FIFA World Cup format.

Regragui stated: "I don't know if 'unfair' is the right word, because there's no going back now. We knew what awaited us when we came here, so complaining now is pointless. Do I think this is the ideal format? Probably not. But do we have a choice? No. I know some people analyze this issue and try to find the best format for the FIFA World Cup, but complaining is not my job. If there was something to question, I should have raised it before the tournament started. But this is the reality."

"The issue with the third-place teams is also complicated. I think about Scotland, who finished their match on the 24th but didn't know if they would advance as a third-place team. Teams that played on Saturday knew immediately whether they had been eliminated. So I think some things may be adjusted in the future, but I don't think there's a solution to this problem now."

Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz also became one of the topics at the press conference, as he recently faced criticism. Regragui and Bono were asked how to help the player get back to his best form. Brahim hasn't scored at this FIFA World Cup but has provided two assists. Both Regragui and Bono defended their teammate.

Regragui said: "As you mentioned, he was involved in two goals at crucial moments—the points we got against Scotland and Brazil—and he maintained intensity and focus for 90 minutes. I think we are a team, and we need to maintain our good performance for longer. Not just him, not just one player, but many of us. We have shown a lot of capability, and we need to be more consistent. Our players know this, I know it, the coaching staff knows it, and we will be more confident and more stable. I'm sure you will see him play great tomorrow, and we will see him back to his best level."

Bono said: "As the coach said, Brahim has played at a high level, especially with very beautiful goals at the start of this FIFA World Cup. His contribution has been excellent, and I'm confident he will reach his highest level tomorrow. He will help his teammates and the entire team, bring us positive results. He is a great player, and great players, of course, always perform in crucial moments."

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