Former Moroccan soccer player Abderrazak Khairi, who sent Morocco to the second stage of the competition and Portugal home with his goals at the World Cup in Mexico in 1986, said that he believes in a new feat at the World Cup in Qatar.
– Morocco is capable of creating a surprise – predicts the former Moroccan national team player, the main “architect” in the historic 3:1 victory against Portugal, 36 years ago.
The mission will not be easy, but I believe in it – said 60-year-old Khairi in a telephone interview with France Press.
That June 11, 1986, he became a hero after scoring twice against Portugal in the last game of the group stage.
It was a historic triumph that allowed Morocco to become the first African and first Arab team to reach the round of 16 of the World Cup. If Walid Regragui’s side beat Portugal tomorrow, they will become the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup.
Recalling the match from Mexico, Khairi stated that after two draws against Poland and England, the pressure was at its peak.
– Portugal was ‘terrible’, but we carried the hopes of a nation, a continent and the entire Arab world. It was not easy mentally, but we wanted to do our best – he said.
Khairi scored the first goal in the 19th minute, doubling Morocco’s lead just eight minutes later, before Abdelkrim Merry scored to make it 3-0 in the 62nd minute. The honor of the Portuguese was saved in the 80th minute by Diamantino Miranda.
– When I scored two goals, my joy was indescribable. We managed to beat the players we watched on TV. I get emotional when I talk about it. The memories are intact, as if it were yesterday – said Khairi.
– No one believed in us, but we did it – Khairi proudly points out even so many years later.
Morocco, then led by Brazil’s Jose Faria, then lost to Germany with Lothar Mateus’ free kick in the 88th minute.
Despite the defeat, the “lions” left the competition with their heads held high.
– We won the love of the public and above all paved the way for greater representation of African nations at the World Cup – said Khairi.
At the next World Cup in Italy, Cameroon made history as the first African team to reach the quarter-finals, before Senegal did it again in 2002.
At the 2010 World Cup, Ghana failed to reach the semi-finals in an epic and controversial match against Uruguay.
– Nothing is impossible in football, that is the magic of this sport. Today, the selection of Morocco proves it – said Khairi.
“Of course, this Moroccan team is different from ours, because football has progressed a lot in 36 years, but its constant is its determination and desire to represent its country as best as possible. And the players do it brilliantly”, he added.
A feat against Portugal 36 years ago, which still lives on as a legend in Moroccan football, is being recalled today by fans dreaming of another win on Saturday after seeing their team oust Spain on penalties in the round of 16 on Tuesday.
Khairi sees the fans as the last, decisive factor in Qatar.
– Playing in an Arab country with the constant presence of Moroccan fans is a blessing. I hope he will go as far as possible – concluded Hajri.
The World Cup quarter-final match between Morocco and Portugal will be played tomorrow from 16:00.
