After reaching the quarter-finals of the 2024 Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan for the second consecutive time, the Atlas Lions have further cemented their position among the elite in the world of futsal. They will face a new challenge when they meet Brazil next Sunday in Bukhara.
This new achievement in Moroccan futsal embodies the essence of the national team’s new identity, centered on self-confidence, competitiveness, and character as fundamental determinants of their successes.
Indeed, the journey for Hicham Dguig’s men to establish themselves among the “best eight” was filled with challenges, culminating in a happy ending.
The opening match against Tajikistan was not easy. Even though the national team was the favorite on paper, they faced a strong team with a great goalkeeper.
The African champions overcame their opponent (4-2), but suffered a significant blow with the injury of Othmane El-Idrissi, who was ruled out for the remainder of the tournament, after already losing two key players prior to the competition.
Two Wins and Qualification… For the First Time
In the second match, the national team had the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. They defeated Panama (6-3), securing a spot in the Round of 16, and celebrated their second consecutive victory—achieving this milestone for the first time in their history!
This match was very complicated against an opponent that surprisingly managed to make a comeback, sowing some doubts in the Moroccan camp.
Thanks to their strong character, coach Dguig’s players managed to secure the win and set up a meeting with Portugal in the third and final match.
“The experience of the Portuguese team made the difference” (Hicham Dguig)
