Mohamed Ouahbi hails Morocco's 'commanding display' after Dutch World Cup exit

The Atlas Lions secured a place in the last 16 after beating the Dutch 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw. Ismael Saibari converted the decisive penalty after goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced a crucial save to deny Crysencio Summerville.

Speaking after the match, Ouahbi believed Morocco's display proved the team's growing quality on the world stage.

"Morocco has gained everybody's respect now," he said. "It's not because of what we've said. We've now shown it."

The coach said his players were inspired by the millions of supporters watching from home, despite the match kicking off in the early hours of the morning in Morocco.

"This team, and all the Moroccan youth teams, are fighting for much, much more than just football or simply winning a match," Ouahbi said.

"They know that behind them there are millions and millions of people. We played when it was two in the morning in Morocco and we're certain that most people stayed awake. That gives you the energy not to give up, to keep going and to believe in yourself."

Although the match was decided by penalties, Ouahbi insisted Morocco had been the better side throughout the contest.

"We completely dominated a Netherlands team," he said.

"We had 70 per cent possession, more shots and more expected goals. We controlled the match.

"We wanted to stay calm, play our game and believe that if it went to penalties we had an exceptional goalkeeper. We didn't turn the match into a chaotic battle. We controlled it."

Ouahbi admitted he had been surprised by the Netherlands' defensive tactics, believing their cautious approach reflected the respect Morocco now commands.

"I really didn't expect this kind of low block because the Netherlands like to have the ball and are very strong when they do," he said. "I saw this type of play as a form of respect."

The 49-year-old also credited Morocco's historic run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals for changing the mentality within the national team.

"For the past few years, Moroccan players believe in themselves and the supporters believe in us as well," he said.

Morocco's reward is a last-16 meeting with co-hosts Canada on 4 July at Houston Stadium in Houston, Texas. Ouahbi expects another difficult challenge but believes his side can continue their impressive run if they perform at their best.

"Nobody can stop us if we play the football we know how to play," he said. "But nobody is unbeatable. If we get things wrong, we'll go home."