Wahbi Defends Diaz, Declares: 'This Will Be Our Most Challenging Match Yet'

Morocco coach Mohamed Wahbi has thrown his support behind forward Brahim Diaz, who is yet to score at the World Cup ahead of Saturday's Round of 16 clash against co-hosts Canada. The manager stated that the Real Madrid player doesn't need to change his game daily and expressed his satisfaction with Diaz's two assists and defensive contributions.

“This is always the issue with top players: we expect more and more from them and are very demanding. He is one of our best players and also contributes significantly in defense. We try to create organized chaos, and Diaz has the freedom to do that. He has played a lot since the Africa Cup of Nations, so perhaps he isn't as fresh as he was then. But he has two assists, and I hope he starts scoring goals too,” Wahbi commented on the top scorer from the last African tournament.

Morocco advanced through the group stage undefeated with seven points and defeated the Netherlands on penalties in the Round of 16. As 2022 semi-finalists, they are considered favorites against Canada in Houston. However, Wahbi issued a warning: “The level we showed in the first matches won't be enough to win this game. I am a very honest person and I told the players that this will be our most challenging World Cup match yet. I am rarely wrong about that.”