HIBAPRESS – Shafiq Anouri
Jeffrey Record, a Mexican specialist in sports management, public policies related to physical culture, and sports law, confirmed that Morocco's victory in the Under-20 World Cup was a logical result of a development process that began years ago.
Record said, in an article entitled "Morocco is No Longer a Surprise" published on the "esto" website, that the Atlas Lions' victory over Argentina with two clean goals in the final of the Youth World Cup was "the logical result of an ongoing development process that began years ago." He added that Moroccan football has shown continuous development based on structuring, investment, and a long-term vision, since the historic performance in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, when Morocco was the first African and Arab team to qualify for the semi-finals. He continued, "In Qatar, Morocco beat major powers like Belgium, Spain, and Portugal, before losing to France and Croatia, which proved that talent and discipline can challenge any football hegemony." The Mexican football expert considered that the 2022 World Cup was a major turning point, "Morocco is no longer viewed as a strange guest, but has begun to be considered a real player on the global football scene." Record confirmed that this transformation "was not a coincidence," because the Royal Moroccan Football Federation had developed "a comprehensive plan that enhanced youth academies, improved sports infrastructure, and encouraged the training of local coaches," in addition to attracting its top players in European leagues, which raised the competitive level and tactical maturity of all its teams. The Mexican sports expert also considered that the victory of the "Atlas Lions" over Argentina in the World Cup final represents "a confirmation of the success of this model," noting that Morocco was able to "invest in its recent success, combining the tactical identity of North Africa with European sharpness and precision." Record pointed out that "the consistency between its different age groups and the first team is today one of its most important assets," stressing that the Youth World Cup title that Morocco achieved shows "continuity, carefully planned work, and the winning mentality that has been entrenched in all levels of Moroccan football." The Mexican football expert concluded his article by pointing out that "maintaining this level requires continued investment in training, professionalism, and consolidating the local league," before adding: "But at the moment, it has become clear that the growth of Moroccan football is not temporary: Morocco is no longer a surprise, but is respected."
