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15 June 2023
Morocco - Venezuela : Post-game reactions
In the match for 7th and 8th place, Morocco beat Venezuela 2-1. Here are the post-match reactions from the coaches and players of both teams.
Ricardo VALINO (Venezuela coach)
"In the group phase, we conceded a lot of draws, but I think we deserved to win them. This tournament has enabled us to work with U17 players, to prepare them and see how they play and how they're developing. The aim is also to prepare them for the World Cup. The aim of the tournament was also to analyze all the areas for improvement before the Olympic qualifiers.
Inevitably, we'll leave with a bad taste in our mouths, but this last match served above all to test the young players we didn't necessarily know.
Overall, we weren't effective enough in the attacking zone for the situation we created for ourselves, and I think that was one of the differences between us and the other teams. What I've taken away from the tournament is that we need to improve in the attacking area."
Santiago Rodriguez (Venezuela player)
"I'm a little disappointed to be out at half-time, but if the coach took this decision, it's because he decided to change tactics, I respect that knowing that it's a reason to improve the team.
As the coach said, we're leaving this tournament with a bitter taste in our mouths. We didn't achieve our objectives, but we're starting off on a good footing for our future preparations.
During this tournament, we played against some good teams, it was a very good experience, we weren't able to keep some games that could have taken us further, but it was a very enriching experience."
Mohamed Ouahbi (Morocco coach)
"What I've taken away from this Tournament is that we've been able to play different styles, all the matches are complicated even against a younger Japan team. The players have gained a lot of experience thanks to this competition.
Our main objective was to qualify for the semi-finals and go as far as possible. When I analyze our matches, we could have expected a better place. We're not satisfied with seventh place. We have to be aware of what we did well, but also of what we didn't do so well."
Wassim Lantaki (Morocco player)
"We were aiming higher for our nation in particular, we had the capabilities in my opinion, we were the best in the group. We lost our place in the semi-finals due to a lack of concentration.
In the physical duel, the age difference showed at times. The coach asked us to free ourselves, to be more attacking and also to be more creative.
As the tournament drew to a close, we were able to learn from our mistakes and hold on to the score. Looking ahead, we'll be preparing for the Francophonie Games in July and then the Nations Cup.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
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