Morocco U17 players during a training session yesterday.
DOHA: Morocco enter the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 quarter-finals today believing this is their moment.
After blending grit with flashes of brilliance to edge Mali in the Round of 16, the Atlas Cubs now stand on the verge of a milestone: their first-ever victory over South American opposition at this tournament. Their challenge is immense—five-time champions Brazil, who have survived back-to-back penalty shootouts against Paraguay and France. Yet the Moroccans feel no sense of intimidation.
Central to their growing confidence is Ismail El Aoud, whose decisive double against Mali announced him as one of the brightest teenage talents in Qatar. At just 16, the silky schemer - already eligible for next year’s edition - has embraced the spotlight with remarkable maturity. His belief mirrors the mood of the Moroccan camp: determined, fearless and fuelled by ambition rather than awe.
“Brazil have some very good players and a great history, but we believe in ourselves,” El Aoud insisted. His message is clear: Morocco are not here for the occasion - they are here to conquer it.
“We set out to win the World Cup. That’s what we’re here for. We know what we’re capable of – we want to be crowned champions,” he told FIFA.
Morocco’s defensive discipline and quick transitions will meet Brazil’s fluid attack, though the Selecao’s recent reliance on late heroics raises questions about whether they can continue riding the edge.
Austria vs Japan
Few expected Austria to dismantle England 4-0, yet Hermann Stadler’s side delivered the statement performance of the Round of 16.
Their intensity, opportunism, and sharp movement have transformed them into a genuine dark horse. Japan arrive via a far narrower path - a tense 1-1 draw and penalty triumph over North Korea - but their technical quality remains undeniable. This clash offers a contrast of styles: Austria’s direct power against Japan’s precision and patience.
Italy vs Burkina Faso
Italy have been among Qatar 2025’s most polished performers, winning all five matches by a resounding 13-3 aggregate.
Their attacking fluency revolves around Samuele Inacio, the top scorer at the U-17 EURO and already with four goals on the global stage. Burkina Faso, however, have displayed equal resilience, recovering to defeat Uganda on penalties. Mohamed Zongo, with two goals and three assists, has emerged as one of the tournament’s most inventive forces.
If Italy represent momentum, Burkina Faso embody unpredictability setting up a clash ripe for drama.
Portugal vs Switzerland
Portugal marched into the last eight with a ruthless dismantling of Mexico, scoring five goals for the third time at these finals.
All eyes again turn to Anisio Cabral, the leader of the Golden Boot race with six strikes and the heartbeat of Portugal’s attack.
Switzerland, though, remain unbeaten in 12 matches at U-17 World Cups and controlled their Round-of-16 tie against the Republic of Ireland. Playmaker Jill Stiel, with four assists and two goals, orchestrates their slick combinations and remains vital to their hopes.
