Morocco has achieved a feat. The word is not too much. By finishing first in Group F, the Atlas Lions have left their mark on this World Cup. At the final whistle, all the Moroccan cities (Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier...) celebrated in jubilation this qualification in the 8th final.
Horns blaring. Dima Maghrib", flags flying everywhere and shirts visible on every group of fans... The Moroccans did not sulk their pleasure and celebrated for a long time, this Thursday evening, the qualification of the Atlas Lions in the 8th finals of the World Cup 2022. In spite of the stress felt during all the second period, they exploded of joy as of the final whistle before invading the big arteries in Casablanca, Rabat, Fez, Tangier...
Scenes of jubilation everywhere in major cities to mark this performance expected for 36 years. "We had a difficult group with Croatia and Belgium and no one believed in it, but what our players have achieved is enormous," said a fan in his car on one of the main boulevards of Casablanca. After enjoying the victories against Belgium and Canada, he expects another feat in the Round of 16. Morocco could face Spain, Germany, Japan or Costa Rica. But none of these teams scare the fans, not even La Roja. They believe that the Atlas Lions can still create other surprises.
"We are not like Saudi Arabia in this World Cup. They started strong by beating Argentina (2-1 ed.), but afterwards they celebrated too much until they lost concentration. With a coach like Walid Regragui, this is not likely to happen, because the players play in big leagues and understand that they will have to be on the field every four days, "says another jubilant fan at the wheel.
"World Cup already successful"
"Incha'Allah we will go to the semi-finals," even believes another very marked by the events. The latter does not hesitate to stop his vehicle to immortalize this qualification by unfolding the flag of Morocco on the edge of the Boulevard Zerktouni in Casablanca, invaded by the concerts of horns of motorcyclists and motorists.
However, another remains rather measured. This fan believes that Morocco has already succeeded in its World Cup by signing two victories in its group and finishing first. "In our history, we have only recorded two victories in five participations. This time we have two victories in one participation," he said. But for this fan of the Atlas Lions, the dream is allowed, because a new competition begins and the next opponent of Morocco will certainly be wary.
Regragui seen as the hero of the day
The hero of the day will not be En-Nesyri or Hakim Ziyech for most of the fans interviewed. Unanimously, they praise the contribution of Walid Regragui to this team, especially on the mental and tactical level. Even when put in danger, the players did not crack or take cards by nervousness. They always stayed in their game.
"Walid Regragui is not like Badou Zaki or Vahid Halilhodzic. He has a mixture of both the European and African school, and he succeeds in transmitting this to the Atlas Lions", explains Amine El., journalist. According to him, the seriousness shown by the team at every moment of the World Cup shows that the selection understands that it has a mission: to titillate the biggest teams and why not do better than in 1986 (eighth final). "Even if we have already succeeded in this World Cup, I think we still have the means to go further than the eighth final," he believes. This performance would then be historic for Moroccan soccer.
🇲🇦 Les marocains ont bien le droit de montrer leur joie 🤩 Leur équipe nationale vient de réaliser quelque chose d’historique ! 🎉#sna #fifaworldcup #qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/paBWACsj8b
— Sport News Africa (@snewsafrica) December 1, 2022
