Brahim Diaz’s reset with Morocco at the World Cup after his missed Africa Cup panenka | OneFootball

After his missed Africa Cup of Nations panenka and the fall-out it sparked, Brahim Diaz has recalibrated with Morocco at the World Cup. France await in the quarter-final on Thursday at 22:00.

According to L'Équipe, flashpoints began at the AFCON last-16 win over Tanzania, when Ismael Saibari berated him for shooting instead of crossing to a Bayern recruit. Former coach Walid Regragui worked to simplify his game in 2024, yet the failed kick in the 0-1 extra-time defeat to Senegal on 18 January reopened wounds.

Romain Saïss later said he chased the super-hero moment, a view shared by some, including Achraf Hakimi after returning from a PSG injury. Others, Youssef En-Nesyri among them, showed frustration, and a February row with Ilias Akhomach during Rayo v Real ended face to face as Diaz won a penalty converted by Kylian Mbappé.

In March Diaz apologised to the squad, though relations with Hakimi remained strained and hard words were traded. Mohamed Ouahbi’s new staff and figures around the camp cooled tensions and the team’s interests prevailed.

In the United States he has leaned into the collective. He set up Azzedine Ounahi’s second in the 3-0 against Canada instead of shooting, and has four assists, including one for Saibari, with no goals.

Ouahbi has defended him, praising his defensive work and commitment, calling him one of Morocco’s best, and noting the tournament is long. He says Diaz is in a good place within the group but accepts more is expected.

Source: L'Équipe