By Shady Amir
DOHA (Reuters) – Thanks to Walid Regragui, the coach who made Morocco the first Arab team to reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup, the avocado could become the country’s favorite fruit.
When Regragui’s appointment, following the departure of Bosnian Vahid Halilhodzic, was announced in August, disappointed analysts branded the coach “avocado head” as a derogatory term.
But the shaven-headed coach, who taunted critics at the Qatar tournament by holding an avocado with a soccer ball in it and pointing a finger at his head, more than proved his credentials.
The previously unknown Regragui, who led Wydad Casablanca to Moroccan league and CAF Champions League titles last season, orchestrated a historic victory against mighty Spain in the Round of 16 on Tuesday.
With victories over Belgium and Canada still in the group stage, Regragui had already become the first Arab coach to take a team to the round of 16.
“I told (my players) that we should be proud of ourselves,” said Regragui. “It is an opportunity that cannot be repeated. Unfortunately I didn’t play in the World Cup. God has now given me the opportunity to make history as a coach. I am the happiest person in the world, ”he said.
“I think Africans can go far, why don’t they dream of winning the cup? We want the next generation to dare to dream.”
Regragui had the usual mixture of North African style, combining a committed defense with counterattacks led by Hakim Ziyech, who returned to the national team when Regragui replaced Halilhodzic.
But Regragui’s importance goes far beyond field tactics. He gives his team confidence and motivates them in his own unique way.
“We fought and we made the Moroccan people happy. We made history and Morocco deserves it. The Moroccan people united us on the field”, Regragui told BeIN Sports.
(Reporting by Shady Amir)
#Avocado #coach #Morocco #dream #ISTOÉ #DINHEIRO