The FIFA World Cup Performance Of Morocco Might Increase Arab Unity

The group will succeed, in all likelihood. From the beginning, Morocco was conscious that it was the underdog.

For many years, there has been conflict throughout the Arab world. The region has never remained unified despite its physical, linguistic, and cultural commonalities, which have long allowed outsiders to plunder its riches. Owing to parochialism, Arabs have been prevented from harnessing their abundant oil resources and relatively educated population due to the history of colonial divide-and-rule tactics. However, the Fifa World Cup has provided us with a different strategy.

After a string of unexpected victories for Arab countries, football has emerged as a powerful unifier. November saw victories for Tunisia against France, Morocco over Belgium, and Saudi Arabia over Argentina. Then, in the elimination phase, Morocco made history by beating both Spain and Portugal to become the first Arab country to reach the semifinals.

Coach Walid Regragui’s well-executed approach, which focused on goalkeeper Yassine Bounou as its key player, helped Morocco win. Bounou consistently prevented Spain from scoring, and Morocco ultimately won the game on penalties. Furthermore, Regragui’s squad managed an astounding 1-0 win since Portugal’s attacking players were unable to beat Bounou. I’m struggling to recall a time when such a shock happened during the World Cup, one expert told the BBC. I’m dreaming, Bounou shouted out. Pinch me.

Real Strength of Morocco

The group will succeed, in all likelihood. From the beginning, Morocco was conscious that it was the underdog. It uses a 4-1-4-1 formation with an emphasis on defense and makes advantage of the strength of its star goaltender in a David and Goliath-like tactic. Each function, however, is crucial and requires total dedication to a certain goal.

The Moroccan players’ enthusiasm inspired other athletes all around the region. Arab children performed in the streets after the team’s victories, while in Qatar, fans and players could be seen hoisting the Palestinian flag as a symbol of Arab togetherness. In both their team picture and public statement, every winning Arab team made sure to express solidarity for Palestine.

It may not be surprising that Bounou, who also plays for Sevilla in Spain’s La Liga, has become something of a role model for young Arabs. His self-assurance, modesty, and feeling of camaraderie stand out in a sport where celebrities are more often known for swagger and conceit. He is agile and tall.

The same vices have plagued the Arab world as a whole. It may seem obvious to base a team’s strategy on togetherness, yet Arab states often struggle to do so in both sports and daily life. True, Taoufik Makhloufi of Algeria won the gold in the 1,500-meter run at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Hicham El Guerrouj of Morocco won the gold in the 5,000- and 1,500-meter runs at the Athens Games in 2004, and Ghada Shouaa of Syria won the gold in the heptathlon at the Atlanta Games in 1996. However, these sportsmen all won their respective matches. Arab countries often do horribly in team sports.

Similar problems may be seen in the local trade and company. For instance, the Arab League was established to promote greater Arab unification. But fewer than 10% of the imports and exports of Arab nations are still accounted for by intra-Arab commerce. Even while family-run small enterprises may prosper, Arab multinationals seldom register in international trade. It doesn’t seem like this will change anytime soon. Over 75% of the prosperous businesses in the Arab world, according to the World Economic Forum, are family-owned.

Impact of the Political Division

The political division may have major repercussions as well. The fact that there is now no comprehensive plan in place to combat hunger in Sudan, a nation sometimes referred to be the breadbasket of the region, is undoubtedly making things worse. Similarly, the Palestinians’ internal conflict for sovereignty over their homeland has prevented them from achieving the dignity and independence they so much want. The failure of Arab political groups to agree on a single slate of candidates for the Knesset during the most recent Israeli elections resulted in the loss of hundreds of thousands of votes. Even affluent Arab nations’ inhabitants struggle with hunger and illiteracy.

Arab unification based on effective and practical measures would have a significant impact on the region. We should be motivated by Morocco’s World Cup in this situation. Young Arabs and future politicians who are riveted to their TV sets as Morocco makes history can only unite in real life by implementing more widely the ideas of selflessness and collaboration that have been fundamental to the team’s success.