Meriam Jelliti
Doha
Once again, history has been made by Morocco by reaching the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup Qatar after beating Portugal. The ‘Atlas Lions’ proved with numbers and statistics that reaching this far in the World Cup 2022 was not a stroke of luck or a mere coincidence. It was rather their superb skill, powerful and consistent display of performance that have taken the Moroccans so far in the prestigious tournament.After their country’s significant victory over Portugal, Moroccan fans burst into tears of joy. Overcome with emotions, they swayed between shock and elation as they took to Doha streets to celebrate the exceptional and historic achievement.
"I came to Qatar from France to cheer for my country Tunisia, but I stayed by Morocco,” said Salim Sfar, one of the many fans who were spotted celebrating on Lusail Boulevard. "Morocco is the only remaining Arab team in this tournament. We consider Moroccans as our neighbours and family and our happiness today is beyond belief; qualifying for the semi-finals was absolutely well deserved. They played well and showed zero fear.”
Mustafa Jammal said he had a good feeling about this World Cup since the very beginning. "Hosting of the World Cup for the first time in an Arab country is one of the factors that strengthens and encourages our beloved Morocco in the tournament. Thousands of Moroccans, Arabs and Africans coming together as one to cheer for Morocco has contributed to this great victory,” he explained.
Jammal said he is living the ultimate dream in a distinguished football atmosphere in Qatar, praising the good organization of the World Cup that he has not seen in any other host country.
He also said that the Moroccan national team has brought pride to all Arabs, and beating Portugal proves that reaching the final is no longer an elusive goal.
"The Moroccan national team has dazzled the world!” shouted Mohamed Rabah, who landed yesterday in Doha from Morocco to join thousands of fans at the majestic Al Thumama stadium.
"We all believed in our team and we were certain that the Moroccan national team with its lions is more than capable to overtake the Portuguese team. I pray for more successes and we stand by Morocco no matter what, and reaching the final is possible,” said Rabah.
He added that everyone today lives in a World Cup atmosphere on an Arab land. The distinguished organization, utmost security and safety provided to fans and provision of free services such as the Internet and transportation to reach the stadiums were not available in any country that previously hosted the tournament, he said, adding that Qatar has proven to the world that Arabs are capable of organizing such international events.
Claudio from Argentina was also present at the Moroccan celebrations and expressed his happiness at Moroccan victory. Moroccan performance was brilliant, and for them to outperform the Portuguese national team is considered a great example of hard work, he said. "The Moroccan team is very professional, which will enable it to present professional matches and qualify to finals even,” he said
"Qatar and Morocco are the pride of Arabs today. We all feel at home being in Qatar today celebrating this amazing achievement in a distinguished version of the World Cup. The victory of the Atlas Lions has united all Arabs and brought us even closer together, and we demand the Atlas Lions to keep on shining,” said an Egyptian fan who joined Moroccans at Lusail Boulevard to celebrate the Moroccan victory.