Spanish Daily AS: “Unstoppable” Morocco Confirms Its Status as Tournament Favorite
Nothing seems to stop the “formidable” Moroccan team, which continues its “impressive run” at the U20 World Cup by defeating the United States 3-1 to book its place in the semifinals, wrote Spanish sports daily AS on Monday.
Led by their star forward Yassir Zabiri, once again decisive, the Atlas Cubs confirmed “their status as favorites to win the tournament,” the newspaper reported in an article titled “Morocco, Irresistible.”
This fully deserved qualification propels Morocco into the semifinals of the U20 World Cup, allowing the young Atlas Cubs to match the historic feat achieved by the senior national team at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, noted AS.
From the very first dangerous play, captain Othmane Maamma delivered a pass “with class and elegance” to his teammate Zabiri, who left the American goalkeeper with no chance.
Before halftime, the referee awarded a penalty after a shirt pull inside the box, which Campbell converted to bring the United States level just before the break. But the Moroccan side quickly regained control. Following a throw-in, Zabiri lightly touched the ball, which Wynder accidentally deflected into his own net, restoring Morocco’s lead.
The Atlas Cubs then capitalized on the spaces left by their opponents and took advantage of another defensive mistake to seal the score. Yassine scored the third goal after excellent work from Boumassaoudi, securing a “clear and convincing victory” for his team.
As a result, Morocco will face France in the semifinals of the World Cup next Wednesday at the Elias Figueroa Brander Stadium in Valparaíso.
Editorial team/le7tv
