Achraf Hakimi, The Man Who Sent His Birth Country Spain Crashing Out Of The FIFA World Cup
FIFA World Cup 2022 Round of 16 - Morocco vs Spain. After 120 minutes of play, it was still 0-0. A penalty shoot-out and after 3 shots apiece it was Morocco 2 and Spain 0. Morocco were on the cusp of history. Spain were on the verge of elimination.
FIFA World Cup 2022 Round of 16 - Morocco vs Spain. After 120 minutes of play, it was still 0-0. A penalty shoot-out and after 3 shots apiece it was Morocco 2 and Spain 0. Morocco were on the cusp of history. Spain were on the verge of elimination.
Enter Achraf Hakimi to take perhaps the most decisive kick in his career till now. Cool and ice and unfazed by all the pressure, Achraf took the shot, beat the keeper and found the back of the net. It was over. The 2010 winners were out and Morocco became the 4th African nation in history to enter the quarters.
AFP
The scenes after that were amazing as the Moroccans celebrated giving thanks to the almighty and also displayed the Palestinian flag to show solidarity. But the scene that stole the show was Achraf rushing to his mother in the stands and kissing her. They say a picture is worth a thousand words but the story behind it had a deeper meaning.
Now the context is important. Achraf's roots are Moroccan but he was born in Spain. Yes, you heard that right. So he effectively sent the country of his birth out of the FIFA World Cup. Also, he sealed Morocco's place in the quarters for the first time in history. Achraf was born to Moroccan parents in Madrid in 1998. The reason his mother was emotional was because of the struggle she endured. She used to clean houses so that he could play football. This is her success as much as it is his.
AFP
Achraf currently plays for PSG. The man has also been loaned to Borussia Dortmund while with Real Madrid.
Six years ago, he began to play for the country of his birth. Achraf represented Morocco in the 2018 edition of the World Cup as well and 4 years on, they have a shot to become the first African nation to make it to the semis.
At 24, he has years ahead of him. Life is a fairytale right now but do not be surprised to expect great things from him in the near future.
Achraf has a long way to go, but at the moment, he is on the right track.
