Morocco qualify for the World Cup semi-finals.
Spurred on by massive local support and inspired by the joy back in their home country the Atlas Lions achieved a unique breakthrough in Qatar.
Walid Regragui’s heroes topped their qualifying group and followed that by defeating both Iberian giants, Spain and Portugal, before eventually going out to the holders, France.
Despite the negativity surrounding the staging of the World Cup, particularly within the Western media, one of the inspiring legacies of the tournament could well be the success of Morocco.
Often touted as potential winners of the World Cup, including by the late football legend Pele, African countries had never progressed beyond the last-eight stage of the competition.
This time some of that potential was finally realised as Morocco combined a solid defence with midfield and forward talent plus considerable nerve to make the last four.
Their campaign began with a goalless draw against one of the dark horses, Croatia, before they got noticed when two late goals severely damaged highly-ranked Belgium’s chances.
Walid Regragui’s men then overcame the entertaining but vulnerable Canadian side to ultimately top Group F.
They then met Spain in Education City Stadium where the vast majority of fans were supporting the North Africans.
Inevitably Morocco had to concede possession as Luis Enrique’s team employed their typical tiki-taka style.
But led by Sofyan Amrabat and break-out star Azzedine Ounahi in midfield, while anchored at the back by Aguerd and Saiss, they restricted the Spanish to just one shot on target.
At the other end, Youssef En-Nesyri and Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech provided the main threats.
When Spain’s ideas eventually ran out (even with Pedri, Gavi and co) it became clear the match would be decided by spot kicks.
Which proved a disaster for the Iberians and a triumph for Sevilla goalie Bounou.
He saved two and watched another attempt hit the post before Ziyech nervelessly chipped in the deciding penalty.
It was a famous victory.
And so Morocco went on to the quarter-finals having set a new standard for Arab teams while conceding just one goal (and that an own-goal) along the way.
Though they were forced to make changes in defence the Atlas Lions could still call on that inspiring midfield of Amrabat, Ounahi, and Amallah.
Up against them were an array of Portuguese stars including Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix, and Pepe.
While waiting on the subs bench was Cristiano Ronaldo, who would make his record-breaking appearance after 50 minutes.
But before that Morocco had taken the lead when Youssef En-Nesyri rose high to head in Attiat-Allah’s cross.
And despite conceding most of the possession the North Africans, again driven on by thousands of fans, limited the opposition to few goalscoring attempts.
With goalie Bounou proving a very solid last line of defence.
At last, an African and Arab nation had reached the semi-finals of the World Cup.
Celebrations would continue long into the night both locally in Doha, where the car horns sounded, and back home in Morocco.
Though Regragui’s diminished team would lose the third-place playoff to the more experienced Croatians they would return home, rightfully, as heroes.
While Qatar’s legacy might be limited to a well-served location for future winter football in competition to the likes of Dubai, in Africa and the rest of the Arab world Morocco’s achievements should provide a more inspiring heritage.
Their combination of organisation, spirit and talent can surely be matched by others in their region.
So expect similar countries to threaten the Europe/South American dominance in the future.
analysis - john bethell
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