After the first two rounds, no other goalkeeper saved more shots than Morocco’s Yassine Idrissi. The 37-year-old shot stopper had 26 saves against Algeria and Portugal and played a huge part in the African’s side challenge against Algeria, which ended in a 23:24 loss.

A charismatic, experienced and classy goalkeeper, Idrissi made his World Championship dream come true at Egypt 2021 after a 14-year wait.

“They say goalkeepers are a bit crazy, right? But it is not about is, it is about the ball. You only have to stop shots that are usually coming at 100 km/h. And everyone’s eyes are on you,” said Idrissi.

Plying his trade in France since early 2000, Idrissi is also one of the best goalkeepers in the French domestic league with a 33.94 per cent saving efficiency in 13 games at Limoges Hand 87, second behind French goalkeeper Wesley Pardin.

“My first World Championship with Morocco was in Germany 2007, when I was only 23 years old. It was a dream come true and being able to represent my country once again is a huge honour,” said the Moroccan goalkeeper.

At Egypt 2021, however, Idrissi really excelled for a tenacious Moroccan side, delivering a 15-save game against Portugal, as his performance was viewed by more than 400,000 people on the International Handball Federation’s official Facebook page.

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“My phone went crazy after that game, there were so many people telling me what a good game I had and congratulating me. This World Championship really brings people together, so I am just humble and happy to have such a good game against Portugal,” added Idrissi.

With a mandatory smile upon his face every time he enters the room, the Moroccan goalkeeper rues the missing chance against Algeria in the first game at Egypt 2021.

Morocco led by as many as eight goals in the African derby, only to collapse entirely in the second half and lose 23:24.

“We knew it was going to be a tough and balanced game and it was clear that Algeria are no pushovers, even when we were leading. I know Alain Portes, their coach, very well, I worked with him in the first years of my career, at Nimes. We gave 120 per cent in that game, but, unfortunately, we failed to win,” lamented Idrissi.

Yet his face was all smiles once again when told us about his statistics at the 27th IHF Men’s World Championship.

No other goalkeeper saved more penalty shots than Idrissi after the first two games of the preliminary round, as the Moroccan goalkeeper stopped six penalties against Algeria and Portugal.

“We play a particular type of defence at the national team, therefore it is quite hard to prepare for it, because we are very aggressive. At penalties, I only go on feeling. I think players shoot harder here than in the club matches or friendly games, but this plays into my strengths. I am always trying to read them and get a little bit into their heads, every goalkeeper does that,” added Idrissi.

Morocco have only won two games in their six participations at the men’s flagship event and will be looking to improve that tally at Egypt 2021.

It can only happen if Idrissi is playing well and the player is still upbeat.

“There are many Moroccan players who did not train for many months, due to the suspension of the domestic league. But, hopefully, we can be better and better,” said the 37-year-old goalkeeper.

At 37, Idrissi is the most experienced player in the Moroccan side and wants to help Moroccan handball improve.

“I turned 37 on the plane to Egypt for the World Championship, but there was no party. I planned that if we won against Algeria, but it did not happen. It is no problem, though, I am very happy to be here,” concluded Idrissi.