sport news Hakim Ziyech is BACK... but are Morocco ready for World Cup success? trends now

Achraf Hakimi has emerged one the world's best right-backs, Youssef En-Nesyri is now a Europa League winner and Hakim Ziyech has returned to the fray... but how will Morocco fare after appointing Walid Regragui just THREE months before the Qatar World Cup? Morocco qualified for their second consecutive World Cup in March this year But the African nation have otherwise experienced a somewhat turbulent 2022 Walid Regragui replaced Vahid Halilhodzic three months before the World Cup Morocco also failed to impress during their limp Africa Cup of Nations campaign But a fresh approach could benefit the likes of Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech Click here for the latest World Cup 2022 news, fixtures, live action and results

By Ben Willcocks For Mailonline

Published: 22:00 GMT, 22 November 2022 | Updated: 22:00 GMT, 22 November 2022

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After a barren 20-year spell without a World Cup, Morocco were always going to struggle in Russia four years ago.

Sharing a group with Spain and Portugal meant the African nation were up against it from the outset. Their lack of tournament experience in 2018 showed, as they bowed out rock bottom of Group B with one point.

However, having now qualified for a second successive World Cup — following their 5-2 aggregate win in the playoff final against DR Congo in March — Morocco have taken major strides four years on from Russia, even if they've also stepped backwards at times.

Morocco start their World Cup campaign against Croatia at the Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday

Star player Achraf Hakimi, 24, was a substitute right back for Real Madrid before the 2018 World Cup. Now he boasts a first team spot at Paris Saint-Germain and is considered one of the best attacking right-backs in the world.

Meanwhile, Youssef En-Nesyri, 25, had just two top flight seasons under his belt before Russia and is now a Europa League winner with Sevilla.

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