Morocco eliminated the Netherlands in a penalty shootout in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16. Mazraoui was interviewed by Dutch media outlet NOS after the match.
Your entire team is celebrating now, which is normal. What words would you use to describe how you feel at this moment?
Well, there are many words to describe it, but it's also hard to put into words. It was indeed a very exciting match. Morocco versus the Netherlands—the way both teams played and the overall strength of the Dutch team were both excellent. For us, this match was almost like a final. We ultimately won, which is, of course, fantastic.
What was your mindset going into this match? You were born in Leiden.
Yes, it's special, very special.
You also received your youth training at Alphense Boys.
Yes, that's also special. Of course, I have a very special connection with the Netherlands. I grew up here, I was developed here, and many of my friends play in the Dutch national team. In a way, I almost could have played for this team. So it was a very special match. I want to say again that I feel a bit regretful that this match came so early in the tournament.
From the beginning of the match, there was a lot of intensity on the field. Was this your predetermined strategy—to engage in tough confrontation from the start?
Of course. We knew that the Dutch team is very strong. Whether it's defense, midfield, or offense, they excel in every position, and almost every player plays for a top club. So we couldn't let them play too comfortably. This is also something we've learned in African football: to press our opponents closely, especially when facing elite players like these. This was obviously part of our game plan.
This strategy ultimately worked, and you kept encouraging each other on the field.
We had to do that, to fight for each other. Because without that, we couldn't have won today.
How wonderful does that feeling truly feel?
It's great. As you can see, our celebration was like winning a final. So I think our performance says it all.
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