Late-60s Fatima Regragui. Walid played professionally in France for Toulouse and Ajaccio and 45 times for Morocco, although his mother never saw him play. Even in Paris, where she resides and Walid was born 47 years ago. never
She’s been in Doha since the World Cup began, cared for by the Moroccan FA together with visiting players’ and staff’s families. She’s her son’s fortunate charm.
Walid Regragui’s tournament story is a fairy tale. When the Atlas Lions qualified for Qatar 2022 eight months ago, the former right back never believed he’d be on the bench. Rumors about him replacing Vahid Halilhodzic never materialised. He’ll face Didier Deschamps’ France for a World Cup final spot on Wednesday.
Regragui grew up in the Corbeil-Essonnes neighbourhood of Montconseil. His builder dad told him to do well in school. Walid agreed. He got his baccalaureate before studying economics in college.
His career began in the fifth level and progressed to Ligue 1 under former Lille, AS Roma, and Lyon manager Rudi Garcia, who started in Corbeil.
Regragui: “Rudi transformed my life.” “At 19, he told me I could go pro.”
Garcia will commentate for French TV at Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday for his friend’s big game.
For those who knew Regragui or played with him, including Olivier Giroud, it was never a question that he would become a manager.
“He was really smart. And every player liked him. He had great social abilities “Roland Courbis, his Ajaccio manager.
Regragui’s social talents helped him bring back Hakim Ziyech and Noussair Mazraoui to the national squad. Both wouldn’t play for Halilhodzic. They returned after talking to Regragui and are crucial to our adventure.
Regragui won the African Champions League with WAC Casablanca in May, defeating Al-Ahly 2-0. Self-validation that he was ready for more. Even though he didn’t anticipate to succeed Halilhodzic in August, he welcomed the chance.
Regragui’s contract merely required him to reach the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations semifinals. Once considered a bonus, the World Cup is no more.
14 of the 26 players called up by the manager weren’t born in Morocco, and some played at the young level for their birth nations (Canada, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Spain and Italy) before choosing the nation of their parents or grandparents. Regragui’s success comes from how he’s united the team.
Sofiane Boufal told ESPN, “He’s made us a real team where everyone fights for each other.”
Imran Louza and Amine Harit were injured before the event, but Regragui found the necessary replacements and answers.
His 4-3-3 formation is solid, and every player knows his duty. Morocco has the greatest defence in the tournament, allowing only one goal in five games, and they rely on Boufal and Ziyech. They won’t modify anything because it works.
Regragui is a wonderful manager. After Morocco, he wants to coach in Ligue 1, but he still needs a trophy. Regragui’s team became the first African team to reach the World Cup semifinals.
Fatima and the other moms and relatives of this team are determined to win.
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