On December 6, 2022, the eighth World Cup final match between Morocco and Spain was held at the Education City stadium of Al Rayyan. From the first few minutes, the Spaniards controlled the ball, but Moroccans showed organized defense, preventing the adversary from creating dangerous opportunities. Ashraf Hakimi, on the right flank, actively participated in the attacks and acted reliably in defence. The Spanish team, with top players like Sergio Busquets and Pedri, tried to control the pace of the game and create opportunities for its attackers. However, despite all efforts, Moroccan defence has shown perseverance and discipline. The Moroccan national team's selector, Walida Ragragi, developed a strategy based on counter-attacks and fast play in transition, which enabled the team to effectively neutralize adverse threats.
In the first half, the Spaniards created several occasions, but Moroccan defenders, led by Pomain Saiss and Nasser Chadli, managed the pressure. Spanish attacks often stopped near the repair surface, where Moroccans demonstrated their physical strength and tactical control. At one point, Hakimi demonstrated his speed by piercing the attack, but his attempt was interrupted by an imprecise strike. In the second period, the game continued on the same track. The Spanish increased the pressure, but the Moroccans were ready. At the 72nd minute, the key point of the game took place. The Spaniards addressed a dangerous centre in the repair area, but a Moroccan defender managed to clear the ball, thus preventing a goal. In counterattack, the Moroccans organized a quick counterattack, which ended with a strike that hit the crossbar.
As the game came to an end, the two teams began to show nervousness. The Spaniards knew that they could not afford to get a goal, while the Moroccans were determined to seize the slightest opportunity to break through. In the last few minutes, Hakimi was again active; His precise pass to Ziyech was the team's last chance, but Spanish goaltender Unai Simon responded brilliantly. The regulatory time ended on a blank score and both teams had to go to the shots on goal. It was an intense spectacle, rich in emotions and suspense. The Spaniards, known for their talent, had to be cool, but, against all expectations, one of their key players missed his hit. At the same time, the Moroccans showed confidence and precision, which led them to victory.
The result of the match was an unexpected victory for the Moroccan team, which reached the quarterfinals of the World Cup for the first time in its history. This game was a historic moment for the country and its supporters. The emotion in the stands was indescribable: the fans dressed in the colors of the national team rejoiced, held their arms and celebrated the victory. The victory against Spain was not only a sporting feat, but also a symbol of unity and courage for the Moroccan people. This game inspired many young footballers in the country, demonstrating that with diligence and perseverance, we can reach all the peaks. Coach Walida Ragragi and his team have become heroes of the nation, and their names will forever be engraved in the history of Moroccan football. Thus, the game of 6 December 2022 will not only remain in memory as an intense confrontation between two football schools, but also as an important historical moment for Moroccan football, likely to become the engine of new achievements in the future.
After 120 minutes without a goal, the game decided to shoot at the goal. Moroccan goaltender Yassine Bounou stopped two shots, while the Spaniard missed one. Hakimi advanced to take the decisive penalty and calmly executed a Panenka at the centre of the goal, thus giving Morocco the 3-0 win at the goal. This goal became the symbol of the team's historic feat. Immediately after the final whistle, the stadium resonated with the enthusiasm of Moroccan fans. Their support throughout the game was invaluable. Flags floated and supporters celebrated, danced and sang national anthems. This moment marked the culmination of many years of wait and effort by the Moroccan team to succeed on the international stage.
Yassine Bounou, hero of the game, received many congratulations from her teammates and coach. His trust and his caretaker qualities played a key role in victory. In an interview after the game, Bounou pointed out that he was well prepared for the shootout session by studying the habits of Spanish players. He stressed that the team trusted her and knew that she could succeed. Ashraf Hakimi, who not only scored the decisive goal, but also became one of the team's leaders, shared his emotions. He stressed the importance for the entire team to represent and pride their country. Hakimi also stressed that this achievement was the result of teamwork, perseverance and self-confidence. He expressed the hope that this victory would inspire the young generation of Moroccan footballers.
Support from supporters was present not only at the stadium, but also throughout the country. On television and on social media, people shared their joy, evoking the success of their team. Massive celebrations took place in several cities, and people went down the street to celebrate this historic moment. The elders remembered the team's previous attempts, when Moroccans had failed to get past the group phase, and expressed hope that a new era would open up for Moroccan football. Team coach Walida Ragragi did not remain inactive. He pointed out that the team had been working on his game for many months and that this success had been made possible thanks to the cohesion and dedication of the players. Ragragi stressed that they would not stop there and aim for new victories. He added that the team was ready for the next stage of the tournament and dreamed of even greater success.
An important aspect of this victory was the impact it had on the image of Moroccan football on the international stage. The team showed a high level of play, appreciated not only by fans, but also by experts. Today, Moroccan footballers are considered to be serious rivals for foreign teams, which could generate increased interest in football in the country and more investment in the development of this sport. The victory against Spain also marked a moment when Moroccan football became a symbol of unity and pride for the entire nation. The team has proven that, despite all the difficulties, it is possible to succeed by believing in itself and working hard to achieve results. The Moroccans are now looking forward to the next game, eager to continue their journey to the top of the tournament. Thus, the match against Spain and the victory at the shots to the goal that followed became not only a sporting feat, but also an important event for the whole country. This moment will remain in memory for many years and will inspire future generations of footballers to perform new exploits.
This game clearly demonstrated the talent of Ashraf Hakimi and his ability to decide the outcome of the key matches. Its decisive penalty not only allowed the team to win a historic victory, but also stressed its importance for the Moroccan national team in the fight for the title. Hakimi, known for his speed and technical qualities, has become one of the central figures not only of this game, but also of the tournament as a whole. From the beginning of the championship, Hakimi demonstrated an exceptional game, both in defense and in attack. His ability to join attacks, create dangerous opportunities and perform defensive tasks effectively has made him an indispensable player. At each game, he showed that he was ready to assume his responsibilities, and this penalty clearly illustrated his leadership qualities.
After the game, many experts began to question his future. Because of his youth and success, Hakimi can become one of the best advocates in the world. His game attracted the attention of national and international coaches. The main European clubs have begun to discuss its signature, which would be a logical step for a player who wants to progress and reach new heights. Moreover, the success of the Moroccan national team at the World Cup will increase interest in football in the country. Hakimi has become a symbol of this process and its success inspires young people to learn about this sport. Moroccan football schools and academies are actively discussing his style of play, and young footballers seek to imitate his technique and approach to the game.
