Morocco's Soufiane Rahimi, centre, has scored in all three group matches at the Paris Olympics, including in the 2-1 defeat to Ukraine. AP
Morocco's Soufiane Rahimi, centre, has scored in all three group matches at the Paris Olympics, including in the 2-1 defeat to Ukraine. AP
Morocco's Soufiane Rahimi, centre, has scored in all three group matches at the Paris Olympics, including in the 2-1 defeat to Ukraine. AP
Morocco's Soufiane Rahimi, centre, has scored in all three group matches at the Paris Olympics, including in the 2-1 defeat to Ukraine. AP

From Al Ain to Paris, Soufiane Rahimi lights up Olympics with Morocco


Steve Luckings
  • English
  • Arabic

Follow the latest news on the 2024 Paris Olympics

Moroccan football has enjoyed an upwards trajectory since a stunning run to the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar almost two years ago.

The Atlas Lions became the first African or Arab nation to secure a berth in the last four of the global finals, eventually succumbing to France 2-0.

Though there was a notable, and almost inevitable, blip at the rescheduled 2023 Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, Morocco have established themselves as one of the dark horses in the men's Olympic football tournament in Paris.

A 2-1 win over Argentina amid farcical circumstances last week was followed up with a defeat to Ukraine by the same scoreline. Tuesday's 3-0 victory over Iraq, however, saw them pip Argentina as winners of Group B to secure a quarter-final showdown against USA.

Their guiding light during the group phase was a notable absence from both their historic World Cup run and their insipid Afcon campaign. Soufiane Rahimi, one of the four over-aged players in Issame Charai's squad has registered goals in all three matches so far and will once again spearhead an attack that looks as good as any at these Paris Olympics.

Rahimi's form will come as no surprise to UAE fans. The wispy winger was Al Ain's lodestar in their run to the Asian Champions League final. Rahimi scored three goals across two quarter-final legs against a Cristiano Ronaldo-led Al Nassr where he also converted from the penalty spot in the 3-1 shoot-out win.

A hat-trick against Saudi giants Al Hilal, a side on a record 34-match win streak, put Al Ain firmly in control of the semi-final first leg with the Garden City club advancing to the final 5-4 on aggregate.

A two-legged final against Japan's Yokohama F Marinos was their reward but a 2-1 defeat in Tokyo meant Al Ain had it all to do in the second leg.

But cometh the hour, cometh the man. Within eight minutes Rahimi had levelled the tie and by the end of it he had added a second and had a hand in another as Al Ain ran out 6-3 winners overall to be crowned continental champions for only a second time.

Rahimi finished as top scorer in that competition with 13 goals and he is out on his own in Paris with four strikes.

Two goals either side of half time saw Morocco secure a memorable win over Argentina, although the match will be best remembered for the chaotic scenes that saw fans invade the pitch and objects thrown at the South American players, which resulted in the game being halted.

The final few minutes were played out in front of an empty stadium in Saint Etienne almost four hours after the match kicked off.

Only a late winner denied Morocco a point against 10-man Ukraine after Rahimi had equalised from the penalty spot. He was then Iraq's tormentor-in-chief in their final group game, scoring the second of Morocco's first-half goals, though he was ultimately upstaged by Abde Ezzalzouli's superb strike for the third.

They take on an American side that finished second in Group A behind tournament favourites France thanks to wins over New Zealand and Guinea.

A front three of Griffin Yow, Paxten Aaronson and Kevin Paredes looked particularly sharp in the 3-0 win over Guinea but it is in defence where the Americans have looked vulnerable.

Special attention will need to afforded to Rahimi, the winger who took Asia by storm now looking to do the same in Paris.

Morocco are joined in the last eight by North African neighbours Egypt, who face Paraguay for a place in the semi-finals.

Egypt pulled off a shock 2-1 win over Spain in their final Group C encounter to secure their place in the knockout rounds as group winners.

Rogerio Micale's side got their campaign off to an inauspicious start with a goalless draw against unfancied Dominican Republic but bounced back with a 1-0 win over Uzbekistan before victory over Spain.

Their opponents, Paraguay, have been involved in the two highest scoring matches of the men's tournament so far.

The South Americans were hammered 5-0 in their opener by eventual group winners Japan before rebounding in a 4-2 win over Israel. A 1-0 win over Mali saw them through as runners-up.

Countries offering golden visas

UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.

Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.

Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.

Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.

Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence. 

List of alleged parties

 

May 12, 2020: PM and his wife Carrie attend 'work meeting' with at least 17 staff 

May 20, 2020: They attend 'bring your own booze party'

Nov 27, 2020: PM gives speech at leaving party for his staff 

Dec 10, 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary Gavin Williamson 

Dec 13, 2020: PM and his wife throw a party

Dec 14, 2020: London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey holds staff event at Conservative Party headquarters 

Dec 15, 2020: PM takes part in a staff quiz 

Dec 18, 2020: Downing Street Christmas party 

Indian origin executives leading top technology firms

Sundar Pichai

Chief executive, Google and Alphabet

Satya Nadella

Chief executive, Microsoft

Ajaypal Singh Banga

President and chief executive, Mastercard

Shantanu Narayen

Chief executive, chairman, and president, Adobe

Indra Nooyi  

Board of directors, Amazon and former chief executive, PepsiCo

 

 

The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

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SPECS
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MATCH INFO

What: 2006 World Cup quarter-final
When: July 1
Where: Gelsenkirchen Stadium, Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Result:
England 0 Portugal 0
(Portugal win 3-1 on penalties)

HAJJAN
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ELIO

Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett

Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina

Rating: 4/5

Tips to stay safe during hot weather
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
  • Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
  • Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
  • Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
  • Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
  • Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.

Electoral College Victory

Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate. 

 

Popular Vote Tally

The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.

Updated: August 02, 2024, 7:00 AM`