Belarouch: "Penalty Shootouts are a Motivation for Us Goalkeepers... Only One Goalkeeper Wins, and I'm Happy the Victory Was Mine"

Shuaib Belarouch, goalkeeper for the Morocco U-17 national team, stole the spotlight after guiding the "Atlas Cubs" to qualify for the round of 16 at the U-17 World Cup. This came after their victory over the United States in a penalty shootout (4-3), following a 1-1 draw in regular time.

Belarouch delivered one of his most outstanding performances of the tournament, shining brightly during the penalty shootout by saving two crucial shots, thus securing Morocco's passage to the next round.

The Moroccan goalkeeper expressed his immense joy regarding this achievement in a statement to FIFA's website, saying: “When a match goes to a penalty shootout, it’s a huge motivation for us goalkeepers. In the end, only one goalkeeper wins, and I am very happy that the victory was mine.”

Belarouch was awarded the "Man of the Match" prize in recognition of the significant role he played in this important victory, which boosts the "Cubs'" ambitions to continue their steady progress in the World Cup and achieve historic results.