Achraf Hakimi says he is “ready” for a battle against Vinicius in the opening game between the two teams of the World Cup group stage, Yankee Scores reports.
Morocco’s right back Achraf Hakimi and Brazil’s left wing Vinicius will clash when the two teams face off in the opening match of the World Cup Group Stage at the MetLife Stadium on Saturday (22:00 GMT)
Both have faced off against each other several times before when their clubs, Paris Saint Germain FC and Real Madrid CF respectively, faced each other in UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup competitions.
Hakimi Prepares for Vinicius’ Challenge
“We know the quality of Vinicius,” Hakimi said in a press conference in New Jersey on Friday, according to ESPN.
“I’ve played against him several times. He’s a great player. I feel I’m ready and I’m sure we’re going to have a good performance.”
Despite reaching the semi-finals in Qatar four years ago, Morocco will be going into the game as the underdogs.
However, following their impressive 1-1 draw against Norway ahead of the tournament, Hakimi says that Morocco is not inferior to five-time world champions Brazil.
Hakimi Expects a Well-Balanced Game
“For a World Cup there’s no favorite team,” said Hakimi. “We know the quality of both teams. It’s a very well-balanced game. We hope that luck is on our side and we can make the most of the opportunity. I don’t think there’s a favorite.”
At the same time, Morocco’s manager, Mohamed Ouahbi, believes that by paying particular attention to Carlo Ancelotti’s career as a football coach, he will have the edge.
The Morocco clash is Ancelotti’s first World Cup match. The Italian has enjoyed success at the club level with Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid.
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