A BOLA – After the victory over Portugal, former Fernando Santos player tells A BOLA: «We are experiencing something historic, I cannot predict what could happen» (Morocco)
Aziz Bouderbala, now 61 years old, was in Qatar to watch the match between Morocco and Portugal, watching the North African team impose a new nightmare on the national colors, imitating the heroes of 1986, he was then part of this former winger. The Moroccan feat in Mexico, with a presence in the round of 16, was largely surpassed in Qatar and the whole of Africa rejoices with the continent’s first selection in the semi-finals of a World Cup.
Bouderbala, a commentator for the Al Jazeera chair, considered one of the best wingers of the 1986 World Cup, as part of a fearsome attack alongside Timouni and Krimau, spoke to A BOLA the day after the disastrous result for Portugal, also recalling his time at Estoril in 1992/93 when he was trained, precisely, by Fernando Santos.
«It was a wonderful moment for me and all Moroccans, of course it was! Also for all the Arabs, who support us in this World Cup. We asked a lot of questions at the start of the game, as a result of injuries to key players, knowing that we would be facing a team with impressive quality in attack, one of the best in the world, not forgetting João Cancelo, one of the best full-backs in European football», he shared Bouderbala, aware of the merits of the team coached by Woalid Regragui.
«We had immense concerns with the Portuguese game for its variety and precision. We lived the first half with greater tranquility, scoring a goal that was precious to close the first 45 minutes. But we feared Portugal’s reaction, how it would reappear, if with Ronaldo, immediately. And besides, there was all the emotional pressure on Morocco», added the former striker, residing in the United States.
“How are we going to stand it, we asked ourselves! We knew about all the effort made three days before with Spain. We were very afraid that the selection would show fatigue, that this would be reflected in a loss of solidity and loss of balls. But, looking at things, the team remained very calm, calm and, at the same time, did not stop pressing, attacking the ball carrier. The team tried to play and design counterattacks, that was the key to the match. It wasn’t easy but there was a great desire, some exceptional moments and hence we are experiencing something historic. Not predicting with you anything that might happen», he confided, without daring to make a prediction for the semi-finals against France, a country with a deep connection to Morocco, with Bouderbala himself having played for Lyon for several years. In Mexico 1986 he was a star for the Swiss side Sion.
«In 1986 it was in a very difficult group, you could call it the group of death with Poland, England and Portugal. The last game was against Portugal, after two draws. We played a great game in Guadalajara. A really good game, because the Portuguese team was very strong and had incredible players. This was the first achievement of an African country, it was the first time that an Arab and African country qualified for the second phase and as the first in the group. They were intense and unforgettable days», recalled the Moroccan, jumping to 2022… and to a feat with great endorsement by coach Regragui.
«Morocco prepared all the games of the World Cup very well, it wasn’t just this one with Portugal. We had a very beautiful game against Croatia, even with a certain dominance over the world runner-up. With Belgium, opponent of the great European ranking, the players were fantastic. We were packed for Canada, the preparation was done little by little. From Portugal I had especially seen the game against Switzerland, a huge display and with a fabulous young man scoring three goals. But Morocco has a marked style, in line with its qualities. And it has worked. It worked, by the way, very well. Our defense is made of iron, the best in the World Cup», he praised, beating that record of a goal conceded in five games. The technician’s mark is praised, after the hasty succession of Vahid Halilhodzic.
“He took over the selection two months before and this job is colossal. He pushed morale, loaded motivation, listened to the talent of several players who play in big clubs in Europe. He played what cards he could. There are no miracles, there is exceptional work», highlighted Bouderbala, not forgetting to go back to his past in Portugal, in the 1992/1993 season.
«I really worked with Fernando Santos and he made his way. I think he evolved a lot, he won a European title. It’s a tremendous job, he goes ahead of the selection with merit. This World Cup did not work for him but Portugal has enormous potential in its players, it has become one of the best European teams with very good athletes. They are still young and Portugal is not ready to produce talent. I wish from the bottom of my heart all the best for Portugal», he concluded.