Made by Morocco FIFA World Cup On Sunday, they made history by becoming the first team to field a starting XI made up of players born outside the country. The milestone came on a memorable night for the North African side as they held five-time champions Brazil to a 1-1 draw in their Group C opener at the MetLife Stadium.The match also highlighted Morocco’s longstanding practice of bringing together players from its global diaspora. Each member of the starting XI was born outside of Morocco but chose to represent the country of their family roots.Goalkeeper Yassine Bono was born in Montreal, Canada. Defenders Achraf Hakimi and Chady Riyad were born in Madrid and Palma, Spain, while centre-back Issa Diop was born in Toulouse, France. Fullback Nosir Mazrawi was born in Lederdorp, Netherlands.In midfield, Nancy-born Neil El Ainaoui featured Ayoub Bouadi, born in Senlis, France. Bilal Al-Khanous and Camsden Talebi were born in Molenbeek and Sombreville, respectively, in Belgium.Further forward, attacking midfielder Ismail Sibri, born in Terrassa, Spain, and striker Samir El Morabet, born in Strasbourg, France, complete the historic line-up.
Would you prioritize youth development in Moroccan football going forward?
Morocco backed up the record with a strong performance against one of the tournament favourites. They started on the front foot and took the lead in the 21st minute when Cibri finished off a neat move after Brazil struggled to deal with the early pressure.Brazil responded in the 32nd minute. Vinicius JrWhose goal ensured the teams were level at 1-1 at the break.The second half was evenly contested, with both sides creating chances. Goalkeepers Bono and Allison made many saves as neither team could emerge victorious despite 27 shots during the match.The result highlights the success of Morocco’s strategy of integrating players developed through the academy system in countries such as France, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands before representing Morocco at the international level.After the match, Morocco head coach Mohamed Ohabi expressed confidence in the future of Moroccan football after his team’s performance against Brazil.The draw leaves Morocco and Brazil with one point each in Group C. Morocco will next face Scotland while Brazil will face Haiti.
