During the FIFA World Cup 1998 held in France, the Morocco national football team faced a challenging journey away from home. Led by manager Henri Michel, the Moroccan squad featured talented players like Mustapha Hadji, Abdeljalil Hadda, and Noureddine Naybet. Here's an overview of their away performance during the tournament:
Group Stage:
- In the group stage, Morocco was drawn into Group A alongside Brazil, Norway, and Scotland.
- Their away matches included facing Norway and Scotland.
- In their away match against Norway, Morocco showed resilience and determination, securing a hard-fought 2-2 draw.
- However, in their second away match against Scotland, Morocco faced a tough challenge and suffered a 3-0 defeat.
Impact:
- Despite their efforts, Morocco's away performance in the FIFA World Cup 1998 did not result in advancement to the knockout stage.
- The team's ability to secure a draw against Norway showcased their competitive spirit and determination, while the defeat against Scotland highlighted areas for improvement.
- While Morocco's journey in the tournament ended in the group stage, their participation provided valuable experience and contributed to the development of football in the country.
Legacy:
- The FIFA World Cup 1998 served as a learning experience for Moroccan football, highlighting the level of competition at the international level.
- The lessons learned from their away matches in France would later help shape the team's strategies and preparations for future tournaments and qualifiers.
- Despite the challenges faced during the tournament, Morocco's participation in the FIFA World Cup 1998 remains a significant moment in the country's football history, inspiring future generations of players and fans.