Following Ismael Saibari’s injury, Brahim Diaz, among others, has stepped into the spotlight.
He wasn’t really in the mood to celebrate; a quick glance at Ismael Saibari’s face was enough. While his teammates ran toward the fan section after the 3-0 win over Canada, the soon-to-be Bayern Munich pro slowly trailed behind. His injured thigh probably wouldn’t allow for much more.
The World Cup round of 16 match in Houston had lasted a full 20 minutes for Saibari before he was forced to leave the field due to a thigh injury—presumably sustained in a duel with center back Moise Bombito. On the field, he pulled his jersey over his head in frustration; a short time later, he buried his face in his FIFA jersey while sitting on the bench. Was it because he sensed this might be the end of his World Cup run? No diagnosis has yet been made for the 25-year-old attacking midfielder. But both Morocco and FC Bayern are on edge.
In the absence of this key player—Saibari scored in all three group stage matches and also in the round of 32 against the Netherlands in the penalty shootout—others must now step up. This time, midfielder Azzedine Ounahi emerged as the match-winner against a brave Canadian team that had long been difficult to beat; with two well-thought-out and precisely placed shots, he scored the first two goals and sealed the victory.
Brahim Diaz also made his presence felt once again; despite being overshadowed by Saibari’s 50-million transfer, he remained unbeaten in his 31st international match for Morocco. The lively playmaker from Real Madrid contributed two assists against Canada, bringing his total to four assists for the tournament so far. “I’m very happy with everything I’m contributing and how I’m helping my teammates,” the 26-year-old said with a grin, adding dutifully: “The most important thing is what we achieve as a team.”
This marks their first quarterfinal appearance, and their second in a row following the 2022 World Cup. And unlike in Qatar, title contender France isn’t waiting until the semifinals this time—they’ll face them in the quarterfinals in Boston. Does he feel a desire for revenge given the 0-1 loss in the last tournament? “I don’t like to talk about revenge because that’s not who I am,” Diaz explained. “I’m a humble guy and I want to keep my feet on the ground.”
And yet, the humble right winger is working to extend his stellar run, whether with or without Saibari. “I think the support and love I’ve received from all of Morocco since my arrival is just incredible.” In 2021, Diaz had made his debut for Spain when an U-21 squad had to fill in for the national team in a friendly against Lithuania (4–0) due to COVID-19 restrictions. Diaz scored in that match and switched to the Moroccan federation shortly afterward. Thirty-one games, 14 goals, and no losses later, he has no regrets about the move—despite the dramatic Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal, when he miserably missed from the penalty spot.
The focus now is on the World Cup, and it’s all about France. This Moroccan team is tough to beat; against Canada, even a performance with room for improvement was enough, but things are likely to look different against France.