Take a look back at the 2013 FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco and Raja’s feat
Morocco will host the 19th Club World Cup in Rabat and Tangier from February 1 to 11. This is the third time in its history that the Kingdom has organized the competition, following the competitions held in Morocco and Agadir in 2013 and 2014.
Of these two editions, Moroccans have good memories, but also less good memories. Between the two, 2013 was the most memorable year, with Raja Casablanca’s heroic journey reaching the final to face Bayern Munich giants.
The story began in October 2011 with the official application of the Moroccan candidate. Iran, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates, which expressed their interest, also withdrew in the end. Morocco then became the only candidate. On 17 December 2011, FIFA will approve the allocation of the 2013 and 2014 FIFA Club World Cup to Morocco.
This was an initiative as part of Morocco’s preparation for its candidacy for the 2026 World Cup, as it had to return to Africa according to the principle of rotation between continents, then explained the Minister of Youth and Sports, Moncef Belkhayat. on time. Morocco wanted to make it a kind of test to prove to FIFA its ability to organize an international competition.
Thus, the Club World Cup was to take place in Africa for the first time, after being organized mainly in South America and Asia.
In 2013 feat
The 2013 edition was held from December 11 to 21. Seven teams participated: Raja Casablanca (Morocco), Al Ahly (Egypt), Guangzhou FC (China), Monterrey FC (Mexico), Atletico Mineiro (Brazil), Bayern Munich (Germany) and Auckland City FC (New Zealand).
The race, which will be remembered by Moroccans, started just as badly. The much-criticized opening ceremony disappointed with its simplicity, even mediocrity.
Preliminary round
But put the first emotions in the game, which will quickly balance. On December 11, “Raja”, representing the host country, first faced the “Oakland City” club of New Zealand, the representative of Oceania, at the “Adrar” stadium in Agadir.
The match ended in favor of the “greens”. two goals to one. Striker Mouhcine Iajour opened the scoring in the 38th minute, and Oakland equalized in the 62nd minute. Abdelilah Hafidi would finally give his team the lead in the first minute of extra time.
Quarter finals
Three days later, still in Agadir, in the 1/4 finals, Raja again faced the Mexicans of Monterrey with the same score and scenario as the first one.
After Chamseddine Chtibi scored the opening goal early in the first half, it was Ivory Coast’s Kouko Guehi who scored. He scored a saving goal in the 94th minute. Raja took out the Mexicans who went through the round easily. There is Raja baraka.
In the other quarter-final, the behemoth of African football, Al Ahly of Cairo, faced the Chinese club Guangzhou FC, led by the great Italian coach Marcello Lippi. This December 14 in Agadir, Al Ahly will come out of the back door without scoring a goal. The meeting in Guangzhou will end with a 2:0 victory for the Chinese.
Semifinals
In the semi-finals, Raja wants to try the impossible: to oust Atletico Mineiro, the South American team played by world football legend Ronaldinho. It had only happened once before, in 2010, when TP Mazembe (Democratic Republic of Congo) reached the final to face Inter Milan.
This December 18, the Moroccan public had a special welcome for the star Ronaldinho. But the match was not easy for the Brazilians. Guided by his legendary following, Raja once again impressed. The match ended with that 3-1 score For the benefit of the Casablancans. Goals from Iajour, Moutouali and Mabide on Raja’s side and a goal on Brazil’s side from a free kick converted beautifully by Ronaldinho.
The other semi-final was the day before, with Bayern Munich against Guangzhou FC. The Chinese did not win, the match ended 3-0 in favor of the Germans. The goals were scored by Ribery, Mandzukic and Götze.
End
This December 21, Raja had a meeting with history. The Casablanca club would face the European champions, a team full of stars and talent. The King arrived at the event accompanied by Crown Prince Moulay Al Hassan and added more sparkle to the event.
In the end, the stakes will be high for the Rajauis, who will play a decent match but lose. two goals to nilMentioned by Dante and Alcantara.
A second place that will still go down in the annals of Moroccan football and earn them the congratulations of the King. The sovereign will receive them during an official ceremony at the royal palace and offer the club 7.5 hectares of land in Buskura to build a training center there.
