Morocco’s U17 national team coach, Nabil Baha, highlighted the importance of high-intensity play for his squad as they prepare to face the United States in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U17 World Cup. The match is scheduled for Friday at 4:45 p.m. (GMT+1).
During a press conference following the team’s training session at Al Thumama Stadium, Baha shared insights from the team’s previous performance against New Caledonia, where the players recognized that increased intensity and effort translated into better results. This understanding has been pivotal as the players showed improved physical performance, covering 113 kilometers in their latest match compared to 103 kilometers in their opener.
“High-intensity efforts can make the difference for us,” Baha stated. He stressed the necessity of maintaining this intensity across all facets of the game to secure early goals, which would help ease pressure throughout the match. “We must take the lead quickly to minimize any doubts,” he added.
When discussing the American team, Baha acknowledged their strengths, noting their quality on the wings, robust full-backs, and sound defensive capabilities. However, he assured that Morocco’s coaching staff has devised tactical plans to counter these advantages effectively.
“The players are highly motivated and ready to elevate their performance against the United States,” Baha remarked. He mentioned that recent successes of other Moroccan national teams against U.S. squads serve as inspiration for the U17 players, encouraging them to approach the match with confidence and a determination to advance to the next round.
The U.S. team displayed formidable form during the group stage, winning all three matches and finishing atop Group I ahead of contenders such as Burkina Faso, Czechia, and Tajikistan. Baha is aware of the challenges this match presents but is optimistic about his team’s chances, drawing parallels to their U20 team that faced the U.S. in a World Cup encounter in Chile earlier this month. With a focus on teamwork and strategy, Morocco aims to leverage its past experiences and rise to the occasion in this crucial knockout stage.