How Chelsea stars fared in World Cup quarterfinals and semifinals
Hakim Ziyech (Right Forward) Morocco
Ziyech was very important for Morocco in the game against Portugal and France. Against the Portuguese, he played as an auxiliary right wingback, pairing up with Achraf Hakimi to deal with Portugal’s offensive threat on the right-hand side (Portugal’s left-hand side). He also served as a reliable outlet in overloading their right side of the pitch to relieve pressure and link up play. He switched play in the build-up to Morocco’s goal, playing it long to Sofiane Boufal who was hugging the touchline, and four dribbles later, Yahya Attiat-Allah crossed the ball into the box for Youssef En-Nesyri to head home. Ziyech created two chances and completed 1/5 crosses. He was taken off as a precaution when he went down with a knock. He helped Morocco to their first-ever World cup semifinal, making Morocco the first African nation to appear in a World Cup semifinal.
Semifinal
Ziyech started the game playing the same role he did in the Portugal game, but ended the half trying very hard to get the Moroccans into goal-scoring positions after they went behind in the 5th minute. credit to Morocco for keeping their heads and reacting brilliantly to going behind. In the second half, he moved closer to central midfield, and he played more of a role in getting the ball moving, distributing, and overloading France’s left-hand side.
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Ziyech was good in the game, helping Morocco end the game with the same number of shots on target (3) and one less shot (13), despite losing. He made the most progressive passes in the match (7). He completed 0/7 crosses and 0/5 dribbles though. The CFC attacker will lead his country out again on Saturday as they play the third-place final.