Waleed Al-Rakraki opened the doors to his exclusive tactical secrets and narrated how he transformed an “ordinary” Moroccan national team into an African beast that toppled one of the strongest teams in the world, during his contribution to the educational platform for coaches, “Voice of Coaches.”
“I knew we were capable of creating a miracle,” with these words, Al-Rakraki began discussing the match on December 10, 2022, at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha.
After eliminating Spain in the penalty shootout in the Round of 16, Morocco faced Portugal, the top favorites for the title, with their shining stars and golden generation dreaming of championship glory. But Al-Rakraki had prepared a meticulously crafted plan that no one expected.
The Secret Plan: “We Hold… Then We Strike”
Al-Rakraki revealed that he asked his players in the first half to pin the opponent to one side of the pitch with deliberate movements, to open up vast spaces on the opposite side. Indeed, the knockout blow came in the 42nd minute: a quick cross, a legendary leap from Youssef En-Nesyri, and a header that astonished the world and silenced the Portuguese.
“When we scored the goal, I felt that the scenario had completely changed,” said Al-Rakraki. With Cristiano Ronaldo coming on at the start of the second half to turn the tables, the Moroccan coach made a bold decision: an immediate switch to a three-man defense, tightly closing the spaces while providing continuous support to neutralize the threat from the star.
The last few minutes were true drama. Walid Cheddira was sent off, leaving Morocco to play with ten men, and the Portuguese surged forward with all their might towards Yassine Bounou’s goal. But the “Lions” turned into an impregnable fortress. Every ball, every intervention, every sacrifice… expressed an unbeatable spirit.
With this historic victory (1-0), Morocco became the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup. It was not just a win; it was a tactical and mental revolution that changed the face of Moroccan and African football forever.
