In the ongoing World Cup, two players of Moroccan descent are making headlines for their remarkable synergy on the field: Brahim Díaz from Real Madrid and Ismael Saibari, formerly of PSV Eindhoven. These two talents, both born in Spain, have been instrumental in Morocco’s performance, having combined to score all the goals for the 'Lions of the Atlas' so far in the tournament. Their collaboration has led to crucial goals in matches against Brazil and Scotland, showcasing their understanding and skill.
Brahim Díaz, who previously led the Africa Cup of Nations with five goals, has shifted his focus from being a primary scorer to a key playmaker. During the match against Brazil, he delivered a perfectly timed through ball that allowed Saibari to utilize his speed and skill to score, deftly evading the desperate attempt by goalkeeper Alisson. In the encounter with Scotland, Díaz struck early in the second minute, marking one of the quickest goals in World Cup history. His precise assist from the flank found Saibari, who, after being named 'MVP', launched a powerful shot that left the goalkeeper Gunn with no chance.
Reflecting on their successful partnership, Saibari praised Díaz, stating, "It was Brahim who provided me with a magnificent pass. I was completely alone, I just had to finish it." Saibari expressed pride in his achievement, particularly highlighting his first goal against Brazil, which positions him among elite company, as he becomes one of the few African players, alongside Mohamed Salah, to have scored in their first two World Cup matches.
The tactical decision by coach Mohamed Ouahbi to position Saibari as a 'false 9' has proven to be a masterstroke, given the abundance of talent in the attacking third. Ouahbi acknowledged the exceptional skill of his players, stating, "Saibari is a 10. Ounahi is a 10. Brahim Díaz is a 10. El Khannouss is a 10. I knew I needed to create a structure that allowed us to be effective and solid while putting our best players on the field. So far, it’s working well, and we intend to keep it going.”
Brahim also echoed this sentiment in an interview with 'DAZN', emphasizing the talent within the team: "We have a great team with a lot of talent." Since making his international debut on March 22, 2024, Brahim has made a significant impact, tallying 14 goals and four assists in just 28 appearances for the national team under the management of Walid Regragui.
Having previously played for Spain and scored under coach Luis de la Fuente in a friendly against Lithuania, Brahim remains grounded, urging his teammates to focus on one match at a time and to keep striving for improvement. "We must give our all in every game and continue playing this way, that’s the most important thing. We cannot assume that everything is won; this journey is still long. We should stay focused and grounded." With the burgeoning partnership between Brahim and Saibari, Morocco is poised to make a significant mark in the tournament.
As reported by marca.com.
