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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Sport
Nick Ames in Monterrey

Morocco and the Netherlands look to move mountains in Monterrey matchup

Ismael Saibari controls the ball mid-air in green and red training kit during practice
Ismael Saibari has been a threat for Morocco. Photograph: ANP/Shutterstock

Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi had just been asked what would inspire his players to justify the feverish expectation hanging over them. Would they turn to the example of history, or would they draw on something else? “The biggest motivation the players have is to put on the jersey and represent the country,” he began. “That is motivation enough to move mountains.”

It would be some feat if they managed to alter the geology of Cerro de la Silla, the claw-shaped double peak that overwhelms the skyline around Estadio Monterrey, where Morocco and the Netherlands will play in the World Cup Round of 32.

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