Hadji salutes Morocco's "exemplary state of mind"

Morocco can 'work miracles' under Walid Regragui with his 'exemplary state of mind', says former midfielder and assistant coach Mustapha Hadji.

The Atlas Lions, who have advanced beyond the group stage only once in five previous World Cup appearances, are the first African nation to reach the semi-finals after an incredible run at the Qatar.

Having only succeeded Vahid Halilhodzic in August, Regragui oversaw wins over Belgium, Spain and Portugal to take on defending champions France.

Hadji played for Morocco in two World Cups (1994 and 1998), while serving as his country's assistant coach from 2014 until the start of this year.

The 51-year-old is delighted with what he has seen, telling L'Equipe: "Here in Morocco, it's crazy, what's happening for the national team is extraordinary.

“It has only been two or three months since Walid Regragui arrived in the national team. There was an upheaval with Vahid.

"The new coach knew how to find the words and the way to bring out the best players and make a team with a lion's state of mind.

“The team plays with heart and an exemplary state of mind. With a coach like that, we can only flourish and work miracles.”