Moroccan Fans Await Calculations: Can Fate Grant the Atlas Cubs a Lifeline?

Following two heavy defeats against Japan (0-2) and Portugal (0-6), the Moroccan U-17 national team finds itself in a highly challenging and complicated situation at the ongoing World Cup in Qatar. Its chances of advancing to the next stage are extremely slim, estimated at no more than 25% based on precise numerical calculations conducted by Al-Botola.

While mathematical hope persists, qualification now hinges on a decisive victory in their final match against New Caledonia, coupled with favorable outcomes from at least four other groups to benefit the Atlas Cubs.

Morocco's current standing in Group B:

Portugal: 6 points (+11)

Japan: 4 points (+2)

New Caledonia: 1 point (-5)

Morocco: 0 points (-8)

To maintain any hope of qualification, Morocco must secure a substantial victory (at least 4-0 or 5-0) to improve their goal difference to approximately -3, and subsequently monitor the results from other groups.

Analysis of groups competing for 'best third-place' qualification spots:

Group A: Qatar (1 point / -1): A loss to Italy would leave them with just one point, a favorable scenario for Morocco.

Group C: Costa Rica (1 point / -1): Should they draw or lose against Croatia, Morocco would surpass them with a significant victory. This would be advantageous for Morocco.

Group D: Tunisia (3 points / +2): Even a defeat against Belgium would leave them in a significantly stronger position, making them difficult to overtake.

Group E: England (3 points / +4): Their goal difference makes it impossible for Morocco to surpass them.

Group F: Mexico (3 points / 0): Even a narrow defeat to Switzerland would maintain their superior goal difference, making them almost impossible to overtake.

Group G: Colombia (2 points / 0): A loss to North Korea could result in a negative goal difference, making them a potential target for Morocco.

Group H: Indonesia (0 points / -6): Morocco would directly overtake them with a victory, making this a guaranteed scenario.

Group I: Burkina Faso (3 points / 0): Extremely difficult to surpass, making this scenario unlikely.

Group J: Paraguay (3 points / 0): Their situation is similar to Burkina Faso's, making them an unlikely target.

Group K: Uganda (1 point / -1): Should they lose to France, Morocco could potentially overtake them.

Group L: Saudi Arabia (3 points / 0): A significant defeat against Mali could diminish their qualification prospects, making this a crucial match in the calculations.

Final Calculation Outcome: Following a comprehensive review of all groups in the tournament, it is evident that the Moroccan national team retains only four genuine opportunities out of twelve to secure a 'best third-place' qualification spot.

These possible scenarios primarily involve defeats or setbacks for Qatar (Group A), Costa Rica (Group C), Colombia (Group G), and Uganda (Group K).

Conversely, other groups such as Tunisia, England, Mexico, Burkina Faso, Paraguay, and Saudi Arabia are in a comfortable position, making them mathematically challenging to overtake due to their superior points and goal difference.

Consequently, it can be concluded that the Moroccan national team's chances do not exceed 25% of the possible outcomes. While theoretical qualification remains an option, it is contingent upon several other teams faltering and Morocco securing a substantial victory against New Caledonia in their final game.

Even under the most optimistic scenario, qualification demands a significant win over New Caledonia, combined with losses or draws for Qatar, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Uganda.

Despite the mathematical reality suggesting an almost impossible task, the Moroccan team continues to cling to hope. Football, however, often defies logic, with history witnessing dramatic last-minute qualifications against all odds.