U-20 World Cup: Morocco will calm down quickly to focus on Argentina final – Ouahbi

Morocco national team U-20 team coach Mohamed Ouahbi has called on his charges to shift focus to the FIFA U-20 World Cup final against Argentina after they defeated USA to qualify for their first-ever final on Wednesday.

The North Africans defeated France 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time to reach the final of the tournament in Chile. They will face Argentina in the decider at Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos on Sunday.

The Atlas Cubs goalkeeper Abdelhakim Mesbahi was the unlikely hero as he played a key role in the penalty shootouts after coming on to replace Ibrahim Gomis for penalties. Morocco first choice Yanis Benchaouch had been replaced earlier owing to an injury.

Morocco want to win final against Argentina

Speaking after their latest success in Chile, coach Ouahbi said their desire is to return home with the FIFA World Cup trophy after Sunday’s final.

“We knew it was going to be a difficult match. There were strong moments and weak moments. We managed it well. In the first half, I thought we were a little too crazy,” Ouahbi said as quoted by FIFA.com.

“We pressed well, but we had to calm down. We suffered in the second half because we had given so much in the first. We managed to stay focused, calm and wait for our moments. Now we’re enjoying it, we’re in the final.”

He added: “I’m quite emotional because it’s a historic moment, but we want to win the final. We’re going to calm down quickly because what we want is to win the cup. We’re going to go for it with the same mentality.”

‘We showed beautiful side of Morocco again’

Morocco player Othmane Maamma said: “I’m really happy with my team. We didn’t give up. The whole competition has been difficult, but we never gave up. We showed the beautiful side of Morocco once again. I hope the people will be happy. It’s all about emotions. I’m going to stop talking, otherwise I’ll cry.

“I play for the team, for my country, for my homeland, for everyone. I hope we can continue like this in the final. We have one more match to become world champions. I hope to give my best and I hope the team will give everything.”

Morocco became the second African nation to compete in the U-20 World Cup final since Ghana defeated Brazil at the 2009 edition in Egypt.