Morocco is planning to ‘come out swinging’ against Spain in the World Cup.

On the eve of Morocco’s Qatar 2022 World Cup Round of 16 football match against Spain, Morocco’s coach Walid Regragui attends a training session at the Al Duhail SC Stadium in Doha on December 5, 2022. (AFP photo by KARIM JAAFAR)

Morocco coach Walid Regragui has urged his team to believe they can beat powerhouse Spain and reach their first World Cup quarter-final.

The North Africans are in the last 16 for the first time after winning Group F ahead of 2018 runners-up Croatia, after defeating Belgium and Canada in Qatar.

“It will be a very difficult game for us.” We’re up against one of the world’s best footballing nations. “I believe they are one of the favorites to make it to the final,” Regragui said on Monday.

“Having said that, we do have some plans.” We’ve had one more rest day than they have, and we’re going to try to pull a surprise out of the bag.

“I believe that if we are able to send Spain packing, it will be a wonderful surprise not only for us, but also for our country.”

Spain denied Morocco a famous World Cup victory with a last-gasp equalizer in a 2-2 draw, the Moroccans’ only point in Russia.

“We’re not looking for vengeance at all. “We are not looking at the past,” said Regragui, who was appointed in August.

“We have a new generation, and I believe the Moroccan team’s mentality must change.” All of the negative aspects of old Morocco have vanished. Our country has evolved.”

Morocco, the lone Arab nation and the last African team left in Qatar, will have thousands of fans cheering them on at Education City Stadium on Tuesday.

“We’re going to come out swinging.” We want to raise the Moroccan flag high. “We’re playing first and foremost for ourselves and our country,” Regragui explained.

“We want to make all Arabs and Africans happy.” We want their prayers and support so that we can have that extra ingredient to win. Previously, we were only supported by Moroccans.”

If Morocco defeats the 2010 champions, they will become the fourth African team to reach the quarter-finals, following Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002, and Ghana in 2010.

Morocco’s only previous appearance in the round of 16 came in 1986, when they were defeated 1-0 by eventual runners-up West Germany.

“I don’t think we should go out with a complex,” Regragui said.

“We are the underdogs, but we know what Spain is made of, and the recipe is simple.” We shouldn’t be concerned; we should live without regrets and give our all.”