Tactical discipline and fighting spirit .. the secret of Morocco's victory over the Netherlands.

The match between Morocco and the Netherlands was not just a knockout game where one team won and the other lost, but it reflected the character of a champion and the tactical discipline that the Moroccan team has come to embody.

This team, which has long faced criticism following its commendable achievement in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, where some considered that all the "Lions" excel at is relying on defense and counterattacks, silenced all critics today. They dominated the match against the "Oranje," a team that is considered a reference on the global stage, while the national players succeeded in imposing their style and creating many opportunities, almost securing the match in regular time.

Despite dominating the match, the Moroccan team conceded a harsh goal from a quick counterattack in the 72nd minute by Dutch striker Gakpo. However, this did not diminish the determination of the "Lions," who continued to strive for an equalizer until the last moment. When the strikers' touch was lacking, defender Aissa Diop rose high to head a precise ball into the Dutch net, extending the match to extra time, and then to penalties where "the guardian of the Lions' den," Yassine Bounou, shone, allowing the teammates of captain Achraf Hakimi to continue their journey in the global tournament.

Regarding the "Lions'" reaction in the match against the Netherlands, national coach and sports analyst Mohamed Ashiban confirmed that the match highlighted the character that the Moroccan team now possesses and its ability to manage the course of matches in the best way.

Ashiban pointed out, in a statement to Hespress, the role that the Haiti match played, as it instilled in the "Lions" patience and the desire to continue, and faith in their chances until the last moment.

The same analyst continued that achieving a wide victory in the Haiti match would not have benefited Morocco in drawing lessons, explaining that falling behind twice and managing to come back, then achieving a "remontada," helped the players not to give up and boosted their confidence, describing the match as "pivotal" in the "Lions'" World Cup journey.