The knockout phase is taking shape for the Lions of the Atlas. Depending on its final position in Group C, the national selection could inherit a more open table or, on the contrary, a course strewn with great powers. If the Morocco finishes at the top of group C and the current hierarchy of groups remains intangible, the protégés of Mohamed Ouahbi could face the second of group F in the round of 16, a position currently occupied by the Japan.
In the event of qualification for the round of 16, the Atlas Lions would play in a part of the table which includes selections such as Ivory Coastthere NorwayTHE Mexico or even Englandaccording to the results of the last group matches and the round of 16. If the current hierarchy were to be respected, this half of the table could offer a relatively more open route until the last rounds.
In case of second place
A ranking in second place in Group C would send the Morocco in the other half of the painting, which today appears denser on paper. THE Lions of the Atlas would then face the leader of group F, currently occupied by the The Netherlandseven if the Japan also remains in the race to finish first.
By continuing their journey, the Moroccans could then find themselves in a part of the table where the Francethere Swiss, Germany, Spain or even the Portugalaccording to the different possible combinations. If the current favorites confirmed their status, the quarter-finals could notably offer a shock against a major nation in European football, notably Germany or the France.
Ouahbi: “we are ready, whatever the opponent”
If Moroccan supporters are already examining the different possibilities offered by the final table, Mohamed Ouahbi has always refused to dwell on the identity of a possible adversary. “There will be the Netherlands, there will perhaps be Japan, there will perhaps be France, Portugal, Spain or Argentina. What we have is that we are ready, whatever the opponent,” he said on the eve of the last day of the group stage.
Very different schedules
In addition to the opponents, Morocco’s final ranking will also influence the time and location of its round of 16. In the event of first place in Group C, the Atlas Lions would play their meeting on Monday at 7 p.m. at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. On the other hand, a second place would take them to Mexico for a match scheduled for the night of Monday to Tuesday at 3 a.m., at the BBVA Stadium in Monterrey.
As the start of the knockout phase approaches, one thing is already certain: the Atlas Lions have given themselves the right to dream. It now remains to know their final position in Group C to know which route they will take in their quest for a new world feat.
