Iraq vs Morocco – 2024 Paris Olympics – Key Players to Watch Out

30 Jul 2024 ScoreWaves Staff view

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With swashbuckling sporting action taking place on a daily basis, the 2024 Paris Olympics has lived up to the hype.

However, no sport has garnered as much attention as football. In just two rounds of games, fans have witnessed several surprising results. Tournament favorites, Argentina, suffered a controversial defeat at the hands of Morocco in the opening round.

However, the Atlas Lions themselves succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of a resilient Ukrainian side in the second round.

A Devastating Defeat

Following a morale-boosting 2-1 victory over La Albiceleste, Morocco faced Ukraine in the second game of their Olympic campaign. A victory would have secured Morocco’s place in the Quarterfinals. But as fate would have it, the Atlas Lions conceded a 98th-minute winner.

Ukraine’s quality and resilience was on full display, winning their second group-stage match against in-form Morocco. Midfielder Dmytro Kryshiv opened the scoring in the 22nd minute before Soufiane Rahimi converted a contentious penalty in the 64th minute.

In the 98th minute, 10-man Ukraine’s prayers were answered, as Igor Krasnopir scored a crucial goal to deny Morocco a place in the quarterfinals. The wounded Atlas Lions now face Iraq in their last group-stage game.

A Do-or-Die Game

Morocco’s failure to secure a victory against Ukraine has massive repercussions, as all four teams in Pool B are tied with 3 points. This means that Morocco’s match against Iraq is a virtual knockout. However, due to a superior goal difference, the Atlas Lions can afford a draw. But a loss at the hands of a buoyant Iraq side would surely end Morocco’s Olympic dreams.

The importance of this match cannot be understated. However, the Atlas Lions should feel confident of getting a positive result. After all, they possess more talent on their roster. But this Iraq team should not be underestimated. They secured an impressive 2-1 win over a talented Ukrainian side in the opening round, before succumbing to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Argentina.

With their Olympic dreams hanging in the balance, which players have the potential to seize control?

IRQ vs MOR -- Players to Watch Out

Achraf Hakimi (MOR): If there is a player that the Moroccan fans will rest their hopes on, it is 25-year-old flying full-back, Achraf Hakimi. The Paris Saint Germain star has become a talismanic figure for the Moroccan national team in recent years. Hakimi was in the starting 11 in Morocco’s previous two games, and he will surely reprise his role against Iraq.

Aymen Hussian (IRQ): The Captain of this resilient Iraq team, Aymen Hussian is probably the most important player for them. The 28-year-old forward is one of three overage players. Hussian has already left a mark on the 2024 Paris Olympics, as he scored Iraq’s solitary goal in their 2-1 defeat to Ukraine. Fans of the national team would hope that he finds the back of the net once again. Hopefully, securing an unlikely Quarterfinals spot for the nation.

Soufiane Rahimi (MOR): In recent years, the Atlas Lions have emerged as an up-and-coming footballing nation, producing several international stars like Achraf Hakimi, Hakim Ziyech, Brahim Diaz and many more. However, 28-year-old winger Soufiane Rahimi has grabbed the spotlight at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Rahimi has already scored 3 goals at the tournament (2 goals against Argentina). Fans of the Atlas Lions would hope that Rahimi can keep up his incredible goal-scoring form, and lead Morocco to Olympic glory.