On June 28, Morocco coach Walid Regragui held a pre-match press conference, discussing the significant number of dual-nationality players in the squad.

When asked about the complex emotions of several Dutch-born players with Dutch nationality facing their birthplace in the FIFA World Cup, Regragui said: "I understand this mentality perfectly, because I've experienced it myself. I was born in Belgium and hold Belgian nationality, so I fully understand that feeling. A country that raised and supported you while you grew up will always hold a special place in your heart. However, I haven't discussed this much with these players. I don't want to overstate this issue. After all, it's just a football match. What they really need to do is focus on the game on the pitch, rather than getting caught up in various emotions. Of course, they are Moroccans first and foremost. What they want most is to help Morocco win. If they play with too much emotion, always thinking about proving something, I don't think that's a good thing.

From what I've seen so far, these Dutch-born players are very calm and mature. I believe what they really want to do is win the match for Morocco, not defeat the Netherlands. If it were me, facing Belgium back then was the same thing. I've always respected Belgium, a country that means a lot to me. But in my life, there are four times when I won't support Belgium – when they play against Morocco. This doesn't affect my love for the country where I was born and raised."

When asked whether the team would continue its previous tactical approach of quick pressing and spatial pressure, and whether the high temperature would affect physical fitness, Regragui said: "Regarding tomorrow's game plan, I won't reveal the details here. This is our fourth FIFA World Cup match, and it's a knockout game, a do-or-die match. In the first three matches, we faced three completely different styles of opponents, which created different problems for us, and we found different solutions for each. I think the team has been very serious and effective in that regard. The Netherlands is another team with a completely different style, and they'll bring new challenges, and we must find new solutions. However, we will still maintain our football, keep doing what we've always done well, while making targeted adjustments based on the characteristics of the Dutch team. That's the only game plan I can discuss now. As for the team's physical condition, I think it's very good. In the third match, we managed playing time well for our players. Although we weren't 100% certain of qualification at that point, it was still very important to allocate physical energy reasonably. At the same time, we also gave other players opportunities to play, allowing them to accumulate playing time and prepare for the rest of the FIFA World Cup. So all players in the squad are currently in good physical condition, everyone is very committed, and everyone is ready for tomorrow's match."

Regarding goalkeeper Bono's distribution methods and the team's pre-match preparations, Regragui said: "Regarding goalkeeper distribution, it's not really about having a fixed target. When we choose to play a long direct ball, there are usually two reasons: either there's no better passing option nearby, or we think sending the ball 60 meters from our goal is safer than losing it 20 meters from our goal. So every ball-handling decision is made based on the specific situation on the pitch at that moment. As for what everyone will say before the match, there isn't much to emphasize. This is the FIFA World Cup. For all players, this is a dream stage. Everyone knows this will be one of the most important matches of their lives. So our greatest feeling right now is anticipation – great anticipation for stepping onto such a pitch."

When asked about the widely shared photos on social media of three Moroccan children climbing onto a roof late at night to watch their national team's match, and the support from fans worldwide, Regragui said: "Of course. This is definitely enormous motivation. Because we grew up the same way when we were young. During the 1986 FIFA World Cup, I also watched matches in secret. Of course, I didn't climb on a roof, but I stayed up late to watch when my family didn't know. Sometimes it was too late to catch the match. So I fully understand these children. For every child, this is an unforgettable memory. However, I want to tell everyone that what really gives us the greatest motivation is actually being able to wear this Morocco national team shirt and play for our country. That alone is enough to give us the strength to overcome mountains. Of course, external support and various comments will also motivate us. But please believe that we're already sufficiently motivated, full of confidence, and firmly hoping to win this match."

When asked about the most suitable position for Diaz, Regragui said: "He's a very versatile player. Because of his overall ability, he can play in several positions. He's strong with both feet, has excellent physical strength and stamina, good heading ability, shoots well with both feet, has excellent passing ability, delicate ball control skills, and also has strong dribbling ability. So he's a truly high-level player. Someone once said something I very much agree with: the most suitable position for Diaz is any position among the starting eleven. As for the specific position he plays, that depends on the team's overall style of play. Different coaches and different systems will position him differently. So I don't think there's one single most suitable position. The key is to decide based on the team's tactics."

Traduzido por IA.

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