Moroccan futsal star Soufian Charraoui has hailed his team’s remarkable 50-game unbeaten run, even when facing top international teams like Argentina, Italy, and France, he told FIFA.
Speaking about the milestone, Charraoui emphasized the hard work and preparation that went into each game, crediting the success to the dedication and efforts of both players and coaches.
Their winning streak which recently ended, was a testament to the long-term commitment and strategies implemented by Morocco’s coach, Hicham Dguig.
Charraoui described Dguig as an “exceptional leader” who has been instrumental in the team’s development over the past 10 to 15 years.
The coach’s ability to foster a family-like atmosphere among players has been key to their sustained success, he said.
Charraoui also welcomed his teammate Soufiane El Mesrar, affectionately called him “El Capitano,” for his leadership and experience, especially with younger players.
El Mesrar, a pivotal figure in the squad, is set to participate in his fourth World Cup, bringing invaluable experience to the team.
The passion for futsal in Morocco has grown immensely, with fans showing unprecedented support for the team.
Charraoui compared the enthusiasm to that of Brazil, noting that Moroccan supporters “are now some of the most passionate in the world. The team’s stylish play and successful record have fueled this fervor.”
On a personal level, Charraoui is in top form, having been the top scorer at the Futsal AFCON and leading Morocco to a 4-1 victory over Spain.
He credits his decision to return to Morocco and train regularly under Dguig as crucial to his performance, expressing his excitement for potentially participating in his first World Cup.
Despite injuries to key players Youssef Jouad and Bilal Bakkali, Charraoui remains confident in Morocco’s chances at the World Cup.
He believed the team can win the title, even with strong competition from teams like Spain, Brazil, and Portugal.
Reflecting on Morocco’s close match against Brazil in the last World Cup, Charraoui highlighted the importance of avoiding mistakes in the knockout stages.
Looking ahead, Charraoui sees Portugal as one of Morocco’s biggest rivals in the upcoming World Cup. He admires their tactical strength and overall quality but remains confident in Morocco’s ability to compete.
Charraoui also said that he inspired from Morocco’s historic performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where the national football team’s success motivated the futsal team. He hopes to deliver a similarl memorable performance for Moroccan fans at Uzbekistan 2024.
With the World Cup approaching, Charraoui and his teammates are focused on maintaining their high standards and bringing the trophy home, driven by the passionate support of their fans and the legacy of Morocco’s football success.