Portugal better without Ronaldo, Regragui is 'sarcastic' - Fans on Morocco's mind games

12:00 GMT 10/12/2022

Many fans believe the Atlas Lions tactician is hoping the ex-Manchester United forward will actually start.

Football lovers on the continent have shared their reactions regarding the sentiments made by Morocco coach Walid Regragui ahead of their World Cup quarter-final game against Portugal on Saturday.

"I’m not sure if Cristiano Ronaldo plays but I hope he doesn’t. He’s one of the greatest ever and I’d be delighted if he didn’t play against us," the tactician said ahead of the match.

The veteran forward started from the bench as A Selecao claimed a 6-1 win against Switzerland in the Round of 16. Youngster Goncalo Ramos - who was preferred in the starting XI, scored a hat-trick.

This is why many fans feel Regragui was playing mind games with his comment.

Here are the reactions:

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Let's go Atlas

Let's go Atlas!! We can do it! We've shown it to the World against the elites of Europe. Rise above fears, take them by storm! We're Africans, we're destined for greatness! Love from Nigeria - Mercy Caleb
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Portugal does not need Ronaldo?

Cristiano Ronaldo won't play so you guys get dismantled perfectly - Ayran Ngazi Yeah
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Morocco want Ronaldo on the pitch

Mind games! Deep down you pray he plays because obviously, they play better without him currently! - Osajie Oseghale
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Morocco to fall 5-0?

Of course, Cristiano won't play and that's gonna be an advantage to Portugal's team. They'll smash that Arab team 5-0 - Moses Luka
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How can Ronaldo starting benefit Morocco?

How does the all-time goal scorer be an advantage to Morocco if he starts? - Ahmed Tijany
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Is this Regragui's game plan?

Simply a game plan I like this coach! Use Ronaldo and see how they can use him as motivation - Cherinor Bashiru Bah
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Provoke Portugal to play Ronaldo

This coach knows how to play smart! He knows with Ronaldo in this match it's going to be 10 against 11, so why not provoke the [Portugal] manager to play him? Big minds - Harry Tapscott
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Morocco's journey over?

Boys to me, I guess it is the end of the road for Morocco - Jack Siame
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Morocco can pull a surprise

Don't be amazed if Portugal dominate the game and Morocco wins. Mark my comment - Ma Charia
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Sarcastic request?

Sarcastic and ironical talk of the century - Charles Ofori Attah