On June 28, Morocco head coach Walid Regragui held a pre-match press conference to discuss the large number of dual-nationality players on his squad.

On the complex emotions of players born in the Netherlands who hold Dutch nationality and will face their birthplace at the FIFA World Cup, Regragui said: "Of course, I understand this psychology because I've been through something similar. I was born in Belgium and also hold Belgian citizenship, so I completely understand the feeling. A country that raised you and witnessed your growth will always hold an important place in your life. However, I haven't discussed this specifically with these players in detail. I don't want to make a big issue of it. After all, it's just a football match. What they really need to do is focus on performing on the pitch, rather than getting caught up in various emotions. Of course, they are Moroccan 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 good.

From what I've seen so far, these players born in the Netherlands are very calm and mature. I believe what they really want to do is win for Morocco, not beat the Netherlands. If it were me facing Belgium back then, it was the same. I always respect Belgium; it's a country that means a great deal to me. But in my life, there are four times I will not support Belgium—when they face Morocco. This doesn't affect my love for the country where I was born and raised."

Regarding whether the team will continue its aggressive defensive strategy and high pressing, and whether the heat will affect physical condition, Regragui said: "Regarding tomorrow's match plan, I won't reveal details here. This will be our fourth match at the FIFA World Cup, and it's a knockout match where one defeat means elimination. In our first three matches, we faced three opponents with completely different playing styles; they created different problems for us, and we found different solutions for each. I think the team has been very diligent and focused on executing these solutions. The Netherlands is a different team with a completely different style of play; they will bring new challenges, and we must find new solutions. However, we will still maintain our style of play, stick to what we've always done well, and make targeted adjustments based on the Netherlands' characteristics. That's the only match plan I can discuss right now. As for the team's physical condition, I think it's excellent. In our third match, we managed player minutes very well. Although we weren't 100% certain about advancing at that point, rationally distributing physical energy remained crucial. At the same time, we gave other players opportunities to compete, helping them accumulate match time and prepare for the rest of the World Cup. So all players in the team are currently in good physical condition, everyone is fully committed, and everyone is ready for tomorrow's match."

On goalkeeper Bono's distribution method and the team's pre-match preparation, Regragui said: "Regarding the goalkeeper's distribution, there isn't really one fixed principle. When we choose to play a direct long pass, there are usually two reasons: either there's no better passing option nearby, or we believe it's safer to move the ball 60 meters away from our goal than to lose possession 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 people will say before the match, there's not 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 in their lives. So our biggest feeling right now is anticipation—great anticipation for stepping onto such a pitch."

On photos circulating on social media of three Moroccan children climbing on their roof at night to watch the national team's match, and support from fans around the world, Regragui said: "Of course. This is certainly a huge motivation, because we grew up the same way as children. During the 1986 FIFA World Cup, I also secretly watched matches. Of course, I didn't climb on a roof, but I stayed up late to watch when my family didn't know. Sometimes it got too late, and I couldn't even watch the match. So I understand these children well. For each child, this is an unforgettable memory. However, I want to tell everyone that what truly gives us the greatest motivation is being able to wear this Morocco national team shirt and play for our country. Just that alone is enough to give us the strength to overcome all difficulties. Of course, support from outside and various other comments are also motivating. But please believe that we already have enough motivation, we're full of confidence, and we're determined to hope for victory in this match."

On the best position for Brahim Díaz, Regragui said: "He is a very versatile player. Because of his comprehensive ability, he can play in many positions. He is strong with both feet, has excellent physical power, superior stamina, good heading ability, shoots well with both feet, has outstanding passing ability, possesses fine ball control skills, and also has powerful dribbling ability. So he is a truly top-class player. Someone once said something I completely agree with: the best position for Brahim Díaz is any position in the starting lineup. As for which specific position he plays, that depends on the team's overall style of play. Different coaches and systems will have different roles for him. So I don't think there's one single best position. What matters is making decisions based on the team's tactics."

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