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Morocco
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successful long-term build up
since 1994
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though playing with some stars,
strong as a team
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a tough group and a difficult
away task could cause a disappointing result which might not correspond
to their true form
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overview: Morocco
among the best of Africa
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the
list of players (includes age and where do they play
analysis)
Morocco
has been building up their national team the most thoroughly of all. Since
1994 Henry Michel has constructed his team and their fine display at the
World Cup 98 at France signaled an even brighter future, if continuity
was guarantueed. And Michel has been given 4 more years to make Morocco
a possible 2002 surprise.
The story Morocco
and African Cup Of Nations is a bit different. Only in 1976 Morocco has
won the competion, never before or since has reached the final. Closest
African country to Europe and first African world cup qualificant after
the second world war the emphasis of efforts have often been on the World
Cup. Also it seems that the subsaharan conditions do not boost the teams
performances. Ironically the exception to the rule was at Nigeria 1980,
when with a third place Morocco had their second best result.
Morocco after Nigeria
and maybe even more than Ghana is the second 'star'-composure (for example
Naybet, Chippo, Chiba, Hadji, Bassir) but unlike the Nigerians Morocco
has a grown team and on neutral ground would likely even be favorites to
do better. But under the circumstances, playing away and in a difficult
group, Morocco is only in an outsider role. They remain one of the absolute
top teams of Africa, even if happens what is not completely impossible
here: an out in the first round.
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