Night falls on Doha, with 6.5 million people, usually before 9 o’clock. But this day he had to stay awake until dawn! Morocco kept him awake.
The country from the greater Arab region made history by becoming the first African team in the World Cup to reach the semi-finals by defeating Portugal.
So Qatar is proud of the flag with green stars on red. So on the night of the semi, there was a procession of carn almost every street in Doha; The Moroccans kept their mouths open by honking, singing and chanting.
Casablanca to Doha has become a daily journey for Moroccans as the team has reached the semi-finals! After watching the quarter finals, many will come back for the semis.
After Brazil and England’s farewell to the World Cup in Qatar, the ebb of fan frenzy for a few days, after the historic match of the Moroccans, the tide is blowing again. Their eyes are now further afield, on the World Cup trophy. “This team of ours has been loved by everyone in the World Cup. Because we have been able to show the world – you can be successful even if you don’t have money, you can win even if you don’t have talent. Morocco is now an example in front of everyone.’
Coach Regregui’s words of confidence were rising after sending off Ronaldo. At first, many called this rise of Morocco a ‘fluke’. But the defense of this North African country has surprised everyone. In the last five matches, the opposition could not score a goal in Morocco’s net, instead one goal was their own.
Where Latinos have struggled against European teams. An in-form team like Brazil lost to Croatia.
This Morocco has fed the best teams of Europe. After Belgium, Spain, Portugal – all have been sent away by this team. So their coach can say with a puff of chest – ‘There are only two matches. Morocco can dream of winning the World Cup by reaching the top four. What we have done so far is not a miracle. Many say, especially the Europeans, that Morocco caused the accident. But when a team can beat the likes of Belgium, Spain and Portugal in a row, they are definitely not a bad team. We have made our supporters happy.’
Their coach sees Morocco as the ‘rookie’ of this World Cup rookie series. A movie where a boxer gives everything he has in the ring. Conquers the almost impossible. Morocco has chosen to make the impossible possible.
On Wednesday they face world champions France. Moroccan star Ashraf Hakimi tweeted Mbappé instead of being afraid of the match. He wrote, ‘See you friend…’.
