If you only watched the World Cup highlights, you’d think Morocco’s run was fueled entirely by goals from guys like Amad, Matheus Cunha, and Lisandro Martinez. And sure, those guys have been scoring. But the Atlas Lions wouldn’t be in the quarterfinals without the guy doing the dirty work nobody talks about.
Noussair Mazraoui went to work against Canada in the Round of 16, and the numbers are honestly kind of absurd. The Manchester United fullback — playing out of position at left-back again — turned in a defensive performance that’s going to make scouts pull out their notebooks.
The stat line that jumps off the page
Fourteen defensive contributions. Ten clearances. One goal-line block. Eight of nine ground duels won. Four of six aerial battles. That’s not just a good game. That’s a statement.
Sure, he only won one of three tackles, but when you’re winning 89 percent of your ground duels, that’s a trade you take every time. The Canadian attackers couldn’t get anything going through his side of the field, and a lot of that was Mazraoui just locking down his assignment.
He was a huge part of Morocco’s Africa Cup of Nations win earlier this year, and he’s carried that momentum right into this tournament. Started four of Morocco’s five matches. Played every minute of the knockout game against Canada. The guy is built for this stage.
What he didn’t do matters too
Offensively, it was a quiet night. One successful dribble. Zero crosses completed. That 83 percent pass completion rate is fine but nothing special. But here’s the thing — Morocco didn’t need him to push forward. They needed him to stop Canada’s counterattacks and keep the backline organized, and he did exactly that.
Morocco didn’t have it easy in the first half. Canada, playing as co-hosts, came out flying. But three second-half goals changed everything, and the defense locked in after that. Mazraoui was a brick wall down the stretch.
Now comes the big one. Morocco faces France on Thursday evening. It’s a rematch of the 2022 semifinal, where France edged them 2-0. Morocco wants redemption, and they want to reach back-to-back World Cup semifinals. That would be something for any nation, let alone an African team that’s still proving itself on the global stage.
Mazraoui will likely be at left-back again. France’s attack is deeper and more dangerous than Canada’s, so he’ll have his hands full. But if his World Cup form is any indication, he’s ready for it.
Leave a Comment