Karim: Wahbi is brave and Canada should be respected.

The former Moroccan international, Abdel Karim Miri, known by the nickname "Miri Krimo," confirmed that the Moroccan national team deserved to qualify for the Round of 16 of the World Cup after their thrilling victory over the Netherlands in a penalty shootout (3-2), following a draw (1-1) in regular time and extra time, praising the heroic performance of the players and the decisions made by national coach Mohamed Wahbi during the match.

Miri Krimo stated in an interview with "Hesport" that the Moroccan team "put on a heroic match and was the better team, deserving the victory and qualification after the strong performance they delivered in the match," adding: "All the players fought and created many chances... Even after conceding the goal from the Netherlands, they showed great character and continued to seek the equalizer until the end."

The same speaker praised the courage of national coach Mohamed Wahbi, confirming that he "made the right decisions at the right time, especially after substituting Ibrahim Diaz, who did not provide the expected solutions," adding that "making changes and bringing in young players means you believe in every name you called up for the World Cup, and that all players have specific roles in Wahbi's scenarios during match discussions."

Miri Krimo considered that overcoming the Dutch team, which has vast experience in global competitions, carries significant implications, saying: "We overcame a difficult obstacle in the experienced Netherlands in a match that should have been in a later round and not in the Round of 32, but Morocco showed strong character and confirmed that it has become a formidable force against the strongest national teams in the world, and its presence in sixth place globally is not a coincidence."

One of the stars of the Moroccan team in the "1986 World Cup in Mexico" added: "Those who understand football know that coincidences do not happen for years across different age categories... The team has become a football power through the work done over the years, and in football, when you work hard, you must be rewarded."

Miri Krimo concluded his remarks by emphasizing the need to maintain focus before facing Canada in the Round of 16, saying: "Success and victory are contagious... When you win against strong teams, it reflects on the mentality and overall mindset within all components of the team. Today we have surpassed the hurdle of the Netherlands, and this edition of the World Cup is full of surprises, so we must respect Canada... The match may seem easy on paper, but we must respect the opponent in hopes of continuing the journey and crowning this great work of the Moroccan team with a new global achievement."

The Moroccan national team, after completing its mission in Monterrey, Mexico, returns to Houston, USA, to face the Canadian team with memories of the "2022 World Cup," next Saturday, in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.