Bazzana Bananza at the Corner!
Travis Bazzana hits his first MLB home run in a 6-4 win for the Guardians!
Achraf Hakimi leads Morocco into another World Cup, aiming to replicate their historic run from 2022. The team, known for its tactical discipline, recently won the Africa Cup of Nations and is projected to perform well despite concerns over Hakimi's fitness.
Achraf Hakimi is arguably the best right back in the world and can play as a two-way force. Over the years, he’s gained experience, composure, and has now become one of the leaders for both club and country. Hakimi is part of a golden generation for Morocco. He leads a team that can hold their own against even the best teams in the world. They are tactically flexible. They like to play patient, methodical football against most teams, but are capable of sitting in a low block when needed. They boast a strong defense, and against bigger teams, they stay compact while relying on transition football.
Hakimi is a terrific passer and creator from the back. He is is one of the fastest wingbacks in Europe, which allows him to track back and hunt players down even when he’s caught out in an attacking position. He links up with his attackers in ways that make it almost impossible for opposing players to track. Last season, data from Soccerment revealed Hakimi led all of Europe in one-twos opened per 90. He initiates attacks like few can from his position. One second he’s simply collecting the ball from his defensive partner or goalkeeper, the next he’s in behind the back line creating an attacking opportunity.
Morocco is projected to finish second in their group behind Brazil, but they could potentially win the group due to their tactical discipline and recent form.
Morocco was declared champions after a ruling by the Confederation of African Football, despite Senegal initially winning the final, showcasing Morocco's dominance throughout the tournament.
Achraf Hakimi is a key player for Morocco, providing leadership and contributing significantly to both defense and attack, making him a vital part of their tactical setup.
Morocco's first match in the World Cup is against Brazil on June 13 at 6 p.m. ET from MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.
Travis Bazzana hits his first MLB home run in a 6-4 win for the Guardians!
Mariners' 12-8 victory highlights their potential with Raley's seven RBIs.
Brewers shut out Yankees 6-0 as Misiorowski hits 103 mph
Wembanyama and Edwards go head-to-head in a tied Game 3 first half
Nebraska Dominates Iowa with a 10-0 Win in Baseball!
Toronto Tempo loses first WNBA game to Mystics in front of sellout crowd
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Morocco famously knocked Spain out in 2022 during the round-of-16 by deploying a 4-1-4-1 low block, allowing Spain to have over 70% possession without really being threatened. Spain looked slow and out of ideas, while Morocco held them to just one shot on target over the first 90 minutes before ultimately winning on penalties. Morocco’s ball-winning midfield from Sofyan Amrabat and pressing from Azzedine Ounah and Hakim Ziyech underlined a monumental result. Hakimi was vital defending 1-v-1 while providing support in transition. Four years on, those principles remain, which is what makes Morocco a dark horse for this upcoming tournament, and since 2022, they’ve added Brahim Diaz—a hardworking, line-breaking winger who switched his allegiance from Spain to Morocco.
Morocco are fresh off winning the Africa Cup of Nations in the most bizarre way possible. Despite Senegal originally winning the final, a Confederation of African Football ruling months later declared Morocco champions. Though their showing in the final was poor, they were dominant for the majority of the tournament and will look to continue that momentum into this summer. Morocco are projected to finish second in their group behind Brazil, though don’t be shocked if they find a way to win the group. They are tactically disciplined, talented and Brazil is not as strong as they used to be. The only question mark heading into the tournament is Hakimi’s fitness. The right back suffered an injury in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals against Bayern Munich. As long as he makes a full recovery, expect the Paris Saint-Germain star to dazzle once again.