Morocco made football history when it became the first African country to advance to the semi-finals of the World Cup. The team rejoiced at their success, but the supporters’ celebrations became more extravagant again.
In the semi-finals of the Men’s World Cup, Argentina and Croatia (Tuesday 13.12. TV2, 21:00) and France and Morocco (Wed 14.12. MTV, 21:00) will meet. follows the World Cup in this article.
On Saturday, Morocco beat Portugal 1–0 in the quarterfinals of the World Cup By Youssef El Nesyr with bumper paint. A convincing defensive game ensured the team a historic place in the next round. Morocco is the first African country to reach the World Cup semi-finals.
The team celebrated their success on the field after the match, and the joy was still shining at the press conference. Morocco head coach Walid Regragui and the goalkeeper Yassine Bounou i.e. Bono came to the media laughing.
– When you watch Rocky, you’re rooting for Rocky Balboa because he’s wholeheartedly committed to achieving his goals. I believe we are the Rocky of the World Cup tournament, Regragui said with a serious look on his face.
Morocco’s head coach refers to the legendary 1976 sports drama film Rocky starring Sylvester Stallone. In the film, the Italian-American Rocky Balboa fights his way into the audience’s hearts as an underdog.
Despite the fight, Rocky does not win – unlike Morocco. Goalkeeper Bono said in a press conference that Moroccan players need to change their mindset.
– We have to get rid of the feeling of inferiority. The most important thing is that we reached the semi-finals, and we have been able to improve our mindset. Morocco can challenge any team in the world. Future generations now know that, Bono stated.
In terms of the semi-final match, however, Morocco has injury concerns. Top fullback representing Bayern Munich at club level Noussair Mazraoui is on the sidelines due to illness and the Central Defender Nayef Aguerd is injured. The attacker who received a red card in the Portugal match Walid Cheddira can’t play against Argentina either.
– Against Portugal Romain Saiss was injured. Achraf Hakimi has been semi-fit throughout the Games, but fights in every match. There are 26 players in the team. If you want to win this tournament, you have to trust each of them, head coach Regragui said.
Unrest around the world
The celebrations of Moroccan supporters have escalated into riots in many parts of the world. According to estimates, up to five million Moroccan citizens live abroad.
Several European countries also have large Moroccan communities. For example, lives in France of 2020 (you switch to another service) an estimated more than 1.1 million people who are from Morocco or have roots in the country. There was a lot of unrest in France.
During the ongoing World Cup, Moroccan supporters have celebrated the national team’s success. Sometimes even so boisterously that the parties have turned into riots, in which the authorities have had to intervene. For example, after the victory in Belgium, Moroccans rioted in Brussels and Antwerp.
And the celebrations haven’t died down after securing a place in the semi-finals. On Saturday night in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, a state of emergency was declared in the Osdorp district after Moroccan supporters took over the main street Tussen Meer.
– This means that everyone must leave the area, the Amsterdam Police Department wrote On Twitter (you will switch to another service).
Dutch media NOS told (you switch to another service)that in Rotterdam hundreds of people gathered in the city center, because of which some streets had to be closed.
In addition to these countries, Moroccan supporters took to the streets at least in Spain, Italy, Germany and the United States.