On June 28, Morocco national team head coach Walid Regragui gave a pre-match interview and discussed the significant number of players with dual citizenship in the squad.

Speaking about the complex emotions of several players born in the Netherlands who hold Dutch citizenship and will face their homeland at the World Cup, Regragui said: "Of course, I understand this mindset. Because I have experienced something similar myself. I was born in Belgium and also hold Belgian citizenship, so I fully understand this feeling. The country that raised you and accompanied you through your growth will always hold an important place in your life. However, I haven't discussed this much with these players. I don't want to blow this issue out of proportion. In the end, it's just a football match. What they really need to do is focus on playing on the pitch, rather than dwelling on various emotions. Of course, they are Moroccans first and foremost. Most of all, they want to help Morocco win. If they play with emotions that are too strong, constantly thinking about proving something, I don't think that's good.

From what I've seen so far, these players born in the Netherlands are very calm and mature. I believe they truly want to win for Morocco, not to beat the Netherlands. If I were playing against Belgium back then, it would be the same. I have always respected Belgium; it's a country that means a lot to me. But there are four moments in my life when I would not support Belgium — and that's when they play against Morocco. This doesn't diminish my love for the country where I was born and raised."

When asked whether the team would stick to its previous strategy of quick pressing and if the high temperatures would affect fitness levels, Regragui responded: "Regarding the plan for tomorrow's match, I won't reveal specific details here. This will be our fourth match at the World Cup, and it's a knockout match — win or go home. In our first three matches, we faced three completely different opponent styles that created different problems for us, and we found different solutions for each. I think the team was very serious and handled this very well. The Netherlands are another team with a completely different style; they will bring new challenges, and we must find new solutions. However, we will still stick to our own football, stick to what we've always done well, making deliberate adjustments based on the characteristics of the Dutch team. That's the only game plan I can discuss right now. As for the team's physical condition, I think it's excellent. In the third match, we managed playing time very well. Although we weren't 100% guaranteed to advance at that point, careful distribution of physical energy was still very important. At the same time, we also gave other players opportunities to play, allowing them to gain match experience and prepare for the remainder of the World Cup. Therefore, all players in the team are currently in good physical condition, all are very committed, and ready for tomorrow's match."

Regarding goalkeeper Bono's ball distribution methods and the team's match preparation, Regragui stated: "The issue with goalkeeper distribution isn't really about having a fixed pivot. When we choose a long direct pass, there are usually two reasons: either there's no better pass available nearby, or we believe getting the ball 60 meters from our goal is safer than losing possession 20 meters from it. So every decision about ball handling is made based on the specific situation on the pitch at that moment. As for what everyone will say before the match, there's nothing particularly special to emphasize. This is the World Cup. For all players, it's a dream. Everyone knows this will be one of the most important matches of their lives. So our biggest feeling right now is anticipation — strong anticipation of taking the pitch."

When asked about widely-circulated social media photos showing three Moroccan children climbing onto a roof late at night to watch their national team's match, and about fan support from around the world, Regragui said: "Of course. This is certainly enormous motivation. Because we grew up the same way. During the 1986 World Cup, I also secretly watched matches. Of course, I didn't climb on a roof, but I stayed up late without my family knowing. Sometimes it was even too late to watch the game. So I understand these children very well. For every child, this is an unforgettable memory. However, I want to tell everyone that what truly gives us the greatest motivation is the opportunity to wear the Morocco national team jersey and play for our country. That alone is enough to give us the strength to move mountains. Of course, external support and various comments also serve as motivation for us. But please believe me, we are already sufficiently motivated, full of confidence, and determined to win this match."

Regarding the most suitable position for Brahim Díaz, Regragui said: "He's a very versatile player. It's precisely because of his versatility that he can play in multiple positions. He's strong with both feet, possesses excellent physical strength, outstanding endurance, good heading ability, can shoot well with both feet, has excellent passing skills, fine ball control, and strong dribbling ability. So he's truly a high-level player. Someone once said something I completely agree with. The most suitable position for Díaz is any position in the starting eleven. As for which specific position he plays, it depends on the team's overall playing style. Different coaches and different systems will position him differently. So I don't believe there is a single 'most suitable' position. The key is deciding based on the team's tactics."

Переведено ИИ.

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