Morocco bow out of FIFA World Cup but win hearts of every football fan
Follow Us
Morocco won hearts despite losing to France
Gold and platinum are some of the famous things in Africa. However, recently, a country from the continent also proved Africa’s dominance in football. In the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Morocco became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals. Throughout the tournament, the Atlas Lions displayed a brand of football that earned them the praise of fans beyond Morocco. However, no one would have believed if you told them Morocco would find a place in the final four before the tournament started.
In the World Cup, Morocco never had a rich history. They had played in only four World Cups before 2022, and their best result came in 1986 when they reached the Round of 16. Based on this stat, none expected Morocco to do well in Qatar. However, to the shock of many, the team performed beyond expectations. Drawn in a group with Belgium, Croatia, and Canada, the chances of Morocco qualifying for the Round of 16 seemed wafer thin. Perhaps, the African side wanted to rewrite the script and were in a different mood since their first outing.
Having played a 0-0 draw against Croatia, Morocco had the daunting task of playing Belgium in their second group game. Massive underdogs ahead of the fixture, Morocco went on to cause a major upset as they beat Belgium 2-0. This victory against the European team set the ball rolling. In the next game against Canada, Morocco won comfortably, 2-1. A team not favorites to qualify for the Round of 16 had surprisingly gone to the top of their group. Morocco’s brilliant performances also led to the elimination of Belgium in the group stages.
However, celebrations were not on the cards for Morocco as they faced heavyweights Spain in the Round of 16. Known for its Tiki-Taka and possession-based football, the European side was odds-on favorites to dominate Morocco and knock them out. Once again, the Atlas Lions displayed immense composure and character as they held Spain to a 0-0 draw and eventually won on penalties. It was a night which ended happily for Morocco and in misery for Spain.
Related: Who is Achraf Hakimi’s Mother Sadia Mouth? All you need to know about the player’s mother and Family
Morocco believed in themselves after their victory against Spain
The victory against the 2010 World Champions made everyone believe that there is something special about the Moroccans. Individual performances by players such as Youssef En-Nesyri, Hakim Ziyech, Achraf Hakimi, and Sofyan Amrabat made everyone believe that Team Morocco could emerge as dark horses to go on and win the World Cup.
While the dream seemed distant, the quarter-finals schedule pitted Morocco against Portugal. Facing a team full of attacking talent, the men in Red and Green held their defense and beat Portugal 1-0, courtesy a goal by En-Nesyri. Once not considered a favorite to get past the group stage, Morocco proved everyone wrong by becoming the first African nation to qualify for the semi-finals.
The victory against Portugal led to an eruption of celebrations in Rabat and Morocco. After all, this was an achievement for the country and the entire African continent. While the people of Morocco prayed for its victory, Morocco also received support from the Arabic world, en masse, en bloc. Two matches away from realizing their dream, the Atlas Lions seemed determined and focused. However, the dream run ended, as the team ran into met defending champions France.
At the Al Bayt stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, a determined group of Moroccans faced the talented French. Despite giving its best shot, Morocco fell behind early on and could not make a comeback. Goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Munai in the first and second halves were enough to send France to the World Cup final against Argentina. Despite the European team scoring two goals, Morocco’s performance can’t be undermined. Their players put heart and soul into efforts but ran out of luck.
Even though Morocco have not won the World Cup, they have been an inspiration to billions. Not only did they display beautiful football, but they leave behind a treasure trove of memories and moments. They are to be cherished forever. Seeing the Moroccan players celebrate their victories with their mothers and family was indeed emotional and educative. Why Educative? At a time most kids forget their parents and family, Moroccan players showed a beautiful display of their culture by paying tribute and showing respect to the elders. It was a heart-warming scenario to watch. While the African nation will play a third place match against Croatia, the eyes will now be on the Finals between Argentina and France.
Stay Updated!
Varun Anand Bhat
(106 Articles Published)