Morocco’s World Cup magic potion: Football parents and fans
2 years ago

Morocco’s World Cup magic potion: Football parents and fans

Al Jazeera  

The secret of Morocco’s success at World Cup 2022 might come down to the players’ parents who have joined them. But Hakimi’s mother is not the only Moroccan football parent who has travelled to Qatar to support her son at the 2022 World Cup. He said as much immediately after taking the job, at the Mohamed VI Complex in Maamoura, when he declared: “Our success is not possible without our parents’ happiness.” Morocco are no favourites in this World Cup, but by reaching the round of 16 for the first time since 1986, they have already thrilled their fans and families. But there is another element to the magic potion that is carrying Morocco’s hopes: the droves of Moroccan supporters who have made Qatari stadiums their second home.

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History of this topic

AFCON: World Cup Stars Morocco Seek End to 48-year African Trophy Drought
11 months, 2 weeks ago

AFCON: World Cup Stars Morocco Seek End to 48-year African Trophy Drought

News 18  

Morocco coach Walid Regragui was just five months and 20 days old when the country won the Africa Cup of Nations for the only time in 1976. But while the Cup of Nations has been an endless tale of disappointments, Morocco soared to dizzy heights at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, becoming the first African and Arab semi-finalists. After …

Impossible is not Moroccan — The Arab nation’s fairy tale run could be the start of a new chapter
1 year, 4 months ago

Impossible is not Moroccan — The Arab nation’s fairy tale run could be the start of a new chapter

The Hindu  

The fairy tale journey Moroccan women’s team was on came to an end on Tuesday when it lost to a dominant France. The Gist The success of Moroccan women can be attributed to their domestic leagues where the situation is far better than the rest of Arab and African countries The players of Moroccan academies have the same access to …

Women’s World Cup: Morocco 1, Western media 0
1 year, 4 months ago

Women’s World Cup: Morocco 1, Western media 0

Al Jazeera  

It’s a historic moment for Morocco and, in particular, for the country’s women. Eight months after their male counterparts made history in reaching the semi-finals of the men’s World Cup, the Moroccan women’s football team have shaken up the sport’s traditional hierarchy. The first Arab and Muslim-majority nation to qualify for the ongoing Women’s World Cup, the Moroccan side has …

Bittersweet emotions in Morocco as historic Women’s World Cup run ends
1 year, 4 months ago

Bittersweet emotions in Morocco as historic Women’s World Cup run ends

Al Jazeera  

Atlas Lionesses make history at the World Cup, and despite 4-0 loss to France, Moroccans are optimistic about women’s sport. Among them, two female athletes who had just won gold medals at the Francophone Games in Kinshasa were watching their national women’s team play in the World Cup for the first time. A year later, they have continued to win …

WATCH: Morocco players break into mad celebrations after first-ever FIFA Women's WC knockouts qualification
1 year, 4 months ago

WATCH: Morocco players break into mad celebrations after first-ever FIFA Women's WC knockouts qualification

India TV News  

Morocco stunned Colombia in their final Group H match in Perth 1-0 as they continued their dream run in the FIFA Women's World Cup and created history by qualifying for the knockouts for the first time at this level. Anissa Lahmari's goal helped Morocco clinch a thrilling contest but even after the match was over, they weren't assured of a …

Morocco make Women’s World Cup debut after meteoric rise
1 year, 5 months ago

Morocco make Women’s World Cup debut after meteoric rise

Al Jazeera  

The Atlas Lionesses are the first Arab nation to reach a Women’s World Cup, and the excitement in Morocco is building. And though the team fell short in a 2-1 loss to South Africa, it was a statement to the world that women’s football in Morocco was ready to rub shoulders with the best. Now, with the success of the …

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Morocco set for WC debut in another landmark
1 year, 5 months ago

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Morocco set for WC debut in another landmark

The Hindu  

Months after the men’s groundbreaking run to the semi-finals in Qatar, Morocco’s women will make World Cup history of their own on Monday. When the Atlas Lionesses face two-time former champions Germany in Melbourne they will be the first Arab team to play at a Women’s World Cup. READ | FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Norwegian forward Graham Hansen sick …

Morocco’s historic Women’s World Cup performance inspires girls even if some in Arab world ignore it
1 year, 5 months ago

Morocco’s historic Women’s World Cup performance inspires girls even if some in Arab world ignore it

Associated Press  

RABAT, Morocco — The game was sparsely attended; it was midweek and the outcome wasn’t much in doubt: the Association Sportive des Forces Armees Royales, a powerhouse in women’s soccer here, ended up crushing its Moroccan women’s national professional league opponent 7-0. Sports don’t differentiate between genders.” Speaking ahead of the start of the Women’s World Cup, he said the …

Morocco to be more daring against Brazil than in World Cup says Regragui
1 year, 9 months ago

Morocco to be more daring against Brazil than in World Cup says Regragui

The Hindu  

World Cup semifinalists Morocco will not hold back in their friendly against Brazil on Saturday as it aims to deliver a statement win against the five-time world champions in its first home game after an outstanding Qatar 2022 campaign. “Against Brazil we can’t change our identity, pretend to be something who we are not, but we can take more risks …

WATCH: Moroccan Players and Their Mothers Honoured By King Mohammed VI
2 years ago

WATCH: Moroccan Players and Their Mothers Honoured By King Mohammed VI

News 18  

Morocco made headlines at the recently concluded FIFA World Cup 2022 as they became the first African or Arab nation to reach the semi-final of the biggest tournament in the world. A special moment for Morocco’s World Cup heroes as they are honoured by their King while accompanied by their mothers ❤️🎖🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/ZJMsMKpB0i— ESPN FC December 21, 2022 The Atlas …

Which clubs will Morocco players play for after FIFA World Cup 2022?
2 years ago

Which clubs will Morocco players play for after FIFA World Cup 2022?

The Hindu  

Morocco wrote a fairytale with its fourth-place finish at the recently concluded Qatar World Cup. Led by the youthful flair of Hakim Ziyech, Azzedine Ounahi and Achraf Hakimi, Morocco became the first African nation to reach the last four of a World Cup. While it lost the last two games in Qatar - the semifinal 0-2 to France, and the …

Moroccans to welcome home history-making World Cup team
2 years ago

Moroccans to welcome home history-making World Cup team

The Hindu  

Morocco’s national football team is set to return home on Tuesday after accomplishing the seemingly impossible feat of finishing fourth at the World Cup in Qatar. As the first African or Arab team to reach the World Cup semifinals, the Moroccan team, known as the Atlas Lions, made history and was one of the big success stories of this year’s …

Insignificant World Cup playoff? Moroccans think otherwise
2 years ago

Insignificant World Cup playoff? Moroccans think otherwise

Al Jazeera  

Both sides will go home without the trophy, but finishing third in World Cup 2022 will mean a lot for Moroccans. “Whatever happens now, it’ won’t take away from what they’ve done, they made history,” Omer, visiting Doha from Casablanca for the World Cup, told Al Jazeera. “It might not seem like much, but getting third place is actually important …

Morocco’s intoxicating run shows why they should host the 2030 World Cup
2 years ago

Morocco’s intoxicating run shows why they should host the 2030 World Cup

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The country has unsuccessfully bid five times to host the World Cup …

Morocco looks to the future after World Cup dream ends
2 years ago

Morocco looks to the future after World Cup dream ends

Associated Press  

DOHA, Qatar — Morocco made history, but couldn’t make it past Kylian Mbappé and France. The first African country to reach the semifinals of the World Cup was eventually beaten by defending champions France, losing 2-0 at Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday. Morocco coach Walid Regragui and his players became the unlikeliest story of the World Cup and even in …

FIFA World Cup dreams shattered, Croatia and Morocco dust themselves off for third place play-off
2 years ago

FIFA World Cup dreams shattered, Croatia and Morocco dust themselves off for third place play-off

The Hindu  

As Croatia and Morocco pick up the pieces after their World Cup semi-finals defeats, the two teams will welcome the prospect of potentially leaving Qatar on a high when they square up in the third-place playoff on Saturday. Beating two world class teams in Argentina and France to reach the final proved to be a step too far for Croatia …

Dream of World Cup final ends but Moroccans hail heroes
2 years ago

Dream of World Cup final ends but Moroccans hail heroes

The Hindu  

They may have fallen just short of reaching the World Cup final, but Moroccans on Wednesday hailed their team's historic run as it ended with a 2-0 defeat to reigning champions France. "The national team has been performing miracles since the start of the World Cup," Rachid Sabbiq, a street trader in the working-class Derb Sultan district of Casablanca, said …

Op-Ed: Why this World Cup will be remembered as Morocco’s after all
2 years ago

Op-Ed: Why this World Cup will be remembered as Morocco’s after all

LA Times  

Morocco’s recent victories over Belgium, Spain, and Portugal — the first time an Arab or African country reached the semifinals in the World Cup — before losing to France 2-0 on Wednesday, has riveted the world in general and the Arab world in particular. Does Morocco’s extraordinary performance in the World Cup represent a victory for the 450 million strikingly …

France vs Morocco: Key battles in FRA vs MOR FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Semifinal
2 years ago

France vs Morocco: Key battles in FRA vs MOR FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Semifinal

The Hindu  

Not many would have predicted Morocco to reach the semifinals of the World Cup before the start of the tournament. Such is France’s squad depth, that even without players like Karim Benzema, Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante, the Les Bleus look like the favourites to lift the trophy for the second successive season. Antoine Griezmann of France walks past dejected …

How Morocco gave people from Global South the power to believe
2 years ago

How Morocco gave people from Global South the power to believe

Al Jazeera  

Morocco’s fairytale resulted in widespread unanimous support from the global south that enraptured the hearts of millions of people. “I would also say that the Global South feels so connected to the family bonding when they see pictures of Moroccan players celebrating with a mother that looks a lot like many mothers from this region, versus the individualist Western lifestyle.” …

Morocco fans honour their team despite semifinal loss
2 years ago

Morocco fans honour their team despite semifinal loss

Al Jazeera  

Al Khor, Qatar – Morocco’s dreams of reaching the World Cup final were dashed after a 2-0 loss to France in the last four. “We are a little upset, I won’t lie,” Hassan Chadilly, from Casablanca, told Al Jazeera at Al Bayt Stadium. “I was really hoping we could meet Argentina in the final … but France were better than …

Social media reacts after Morocco’s historic World Cup run
2 years ago

Social media reacts after Morocco’s historic World Cup run

Al Jazeera  

The dream is over for the Atlas Lions but they brought much of the world along for the ride. United States website Bleacher Report, and United Kingdom-based Goal magazine spoke for many when reflecting on events after the game: This Morocco team will go down in history 🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/j90HWRF1D7 — GOAL December 14, 2022 English YouTuber Chunkz spoke of the …

Far from Qatar, fans in Morocco's diaspora are celebrating a historic World Cup run
2 years ago

Far from Qatar, fans in Morocco's diaspora are celebrating a historic World Cup run

NPR  

Far from Qatar, fans in Morocco's diaspora are celebrating a historic World Cup run Enlarge this image toggle caption Abdelali Essaouis Abdelali Essaouis Morocco's success at the World Cup has turned the Atlas Lions into a Cinderella team, winning over fans who love a good underdog story. Enlarge this image toggle caption Abdelali Essaouis Abdelali Essaouis In upsetting European powerhouses …

Moroccan World Cup ‘dream’ faces biggest test against France
2 years ago

Moroccan World Cup ‘dream’ faces biggest test against France

Associated Press  

DOHA, Qatar — Morocco’s improbable, history-making run at the World Cup is about to get its ultimate test. Africa’s first World Cup semifinalist is playing defending champion France and striker Kylian Mbappé, the leader of a new wave of soccer superstars coming out of an era dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. “We’ll use the best team possible.” The …

FIFA World Cup: Motherly love does the magic for lion-hearted Morocco stars in Qatar
2 years ago

FIFA World Cup: Motherly love does the magic for lion-hearted Morocco stars in Qatar

India Today  

The Morocco fairytale has been the biggest story to emerge out of the FIFA World Cup 2022. Sturdy defence, counter-attacks at break-neck speed and never-say-die spirit have been the main ingredients of Morocco's success recipe at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi was Explaining the logic behind travelling with families to the World Cup, Regragui …

FIFA World Cup semifinal: African trailblazer Morocco eyes history against defending champion France
2 years ago

FIFA World Cup semifinal: African trailblazer Morocco eyes history against defending champion France

The Hindu  

In the streets of Doha, you no longer spot the canary yellow of Brazil. Morocco, the “Rocky of this World Cup,” as coach Walid Regragui calls his team, has already created history in a historical first World Cup in the Arab region. Regragui’s side, despite ceding possession – Morocco, on average, has enjoyed 32.4 per cent possession in its five …

Motherly love boosts Morocco’s team spirit at World Cup
2 years ago

Motherly love boosts Morocco’s team spirit at World Cup

Associated Press  

DOHA, Qatar — Morocco’s players are sharing the World Cup spotlight with some of their most ardent fans: their mothers. Midfielder Sofiane Boufal was dancing with his mother on the field after Morocco beat Portugal 1-0 on Saturday to become the first African and Arab nation to reach the World Cup semifinals. That’s part of our culture, it’s where we’re …

How underdog Morocco became ‘the Rocky of this World Cup’ and has uplifted a region
2 years ago

How underdog Morocco became ‘the Rocky of this World Cup’ and has uplifted a region

LA Times  

The Corniche, the 4½-mile waterfront promenade that wraps around Doha Bay, has become a gathering spot for fans at Qatar’s World Cup. Now the world is with Morocco.” — Morocco’ coach Walid Regragui “Morocco’s success in the World Cup is seen as a success for all Arab nations as well as North African nations,” said Mounah Abdel-Samad, a professor at …

Morocco’s foreign-born contingent deliver at Qatar World Cup
2 years ago

Morocco’s foreign-born contingent deliver at Qatar World Cup

The Hindu  

Morocco’s unexpected march to the World Cup semi-finals can be attributed partly to a policy of deliberately seeking out talent in the Diaspora to strengthen the national team and give them a better chance of success. Fourteen of Morocco’s 26-man squad were born outside the country, more than any other team at the football tournament in Qatar, providing an eclectic …

Morocco’s foreign-born contingent deliver in FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
2 years ago

Morocco’s foreign-born contingent deliver in FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

The Hindu  

Morocco’s unexpected march to the World Cup semifinals can be attributed partly to a policy of deliberately seeking out talent in the Diaspora to strengthen the national team and give them a better chance of success. Fourteen of Morocco’s 26-man squad were born outside the country, more than any other team at the tournament in Qatar, providing an eclectic mix …

FIFA World Cup 2022: Morocco Fans Celebrate The Impossible And Ask For More
2 years ago

FIFA World Cup 2022: Morocco Fans Celebrate The Impossible And Ask For More

News 18  

As their national team made history, crowds gathered in Casablanca on Saturday evening and chanted “Qualified! Qualified!” There were also celebrations across the Arab world and in Europe after Morocco beat Portugal 1-0 in Qatar to become the first African or Arab team to reach a World Cup semi-final. Khairi scored twice in the surprise 3-1 victory over the same …

Ecstatic Moroccans celebrate World Cup victory over Portugal
2 years ago

Ecstatic Moroccans celebrate World Cup victory over Portugal

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Ecstatic Moroccans poured into the …

How the Arab world celebrated Morocco’s win
2 years ago

How the Arab world celebrated Morocco’s win

Al Jazeera  

Morocco’s World Cup fairytale continues to enchant football lovers after the Atlas Lions beat Portugal 1-0 to book their place in the tournament’s semi-finals. In the Arab world, Saturday’s win felt particularly sweet, with Morocco’s progression marking the first time an Arab or African country has ever reached the last four in 92 years of World Cup history. “And a …

How Morocco rewrote World Cup history books against Portugal
2 years ago

How Morocco rewrote World Cup history books against Portugal

Al Jazeera  

Morocco become the first team from Africa to reach a World Cup semi-final when they beat Portugal. At 7:58pm, Morocco, to the surprise of the world and to the disbelief of Moroccans themselves, sealed a stunning win over Portugal and became the first African team and the first Arab one to reach a football World Cup semi-final. This is awesome,” …

A Moroccan World Cup twist to the Viking thunderclap
2 years ago

A Moroccan World Cup twist to the Viking thunderclap

Al Jazeera  

Morocco fans have lit up the World Cup and have now given a thunderclap, made famous by Icelandic fans, their own twist. The Moroccan fans’ use of this so-called “Viking clap” epitomises their passion for their team at World Cup 2022. Alasdair Howorth, a journalist specialising in African football, believes that Moroccan fans have made this World Cup a “home …

‘That’s how we do things’: Brazil isn’t sorry for dancing into World Cup quarterfinals
2 years ago

‘That’s how we do things’: Brazil isn’t sorry for dancing into World Cup quarterfinals

LA Times  

Argentina and Brazil share a 750-mile border and a long tradition of World Cup excellence, having combined to win seven titles and reach the semifinals together in four of the last five tournaments. It’s a different culture.” — Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic on Brazil’s players “The Brazilian identity began a long time ago,” Tite said. “He’s the one who said …

Morocco’s Hakimi: From ‘difficult moments’ to World Cup stardom
2 years ago

Morocco’s Hakimi: From ‘difficult moments’ to World Cup stardom

Al Jazeera  

Born in Spain, Hakimi from a very young age was touted as a star prospect. The daily commute to Real Madrid’s Castilla academy exposed him to much higher standards of living, yet he still describes his childhood as “happy” with some “difficult moments”. “We scouted Achraf Hakimi when he was playing with Real Madrid’s U17 team.” Nasser Larguet, then the …

Morocco wakes up to a World Cup dream that came true
2 years ago

Morocco wakes up to a World Cup dream that came true

Al Jazeera  

Morocco beat Spain to reach the World Cup 2022 quarter-finals. “We’re so proud.” It was a day where history was made and Moroccans on the streets the morning after said they could not be more proud of what the team had achieved. “We are delighted to be Moroccans today, since we are the first Arab country that has reached the …

World Cup: Morocco's warriors went to war with Spain and played like their lives depended on it
2 years ago

World Cup: Morocco's warriors went to war with Spain and played like their lives depended on it

Daily Mail  

The joke doing the rounds when it became clear that Morocco would be playing Spain at this stage of the tournament was along the lines of, ‘the winner gets Andalucia.’ For years, the North African nation has been demanding back parts of its lands that Spain colonised, including two cities within its borders which are still Spanish, and Luis Enrique’s …

Morocco fans celebrate historic World Cup win over Spain
2 years ago

Morocco fans celebrate historic World Cup win over Spain

Al Jazeera  

Doha, Qatar – It was ecstasy for Morocco and sheer anguish for Spain as the Atlas Lions defeated the former world champions on penalties at Qatar’s Education City Stadium and secured a quarter-final berth for the first time in World Cup history. The Fez resident said both “Arabs and Africans” will be the “happiest people today”. Anass Boumlek, 26, from …

Arab fans in Qatar rally behind Morocco at World Cup
2 years ago

Arab fans in Qatar rally behind Morocco at World Cup

Associated Press  

DOHA, Qatar — Moroccans in Qatar are feeling the love from across the Arab world ahead of their country’s World Cup clash with Spain on Tuesday. After their own teams were eliminated from the first World Cup in the Middle East, many Qatari, Saudi and Tunisians fans in Doha are now rallying behind Morocco — the last Arab team left …

World Cup 2022: What the Moroccan football team means to its fans
2 years ago

World Cup 2022: What the Moroccan football team means to its fans

Al Jazeera  

Moroccans are one win away from making history before their last-16 clash against Spain on Tuesday. “To go past the first round was the first football joy for the young generation and it’s beautiful because what’s happening on the pitch is bringing together children of the Moroccan diaspora, born all over Europe.” For Boutaina Essadiki, the team’s performance has been …

Morocco reaches last 16 of World Cup, beats Canada 2-1
2 years ago

Morocco reaches last 16 of World Cup, beats Canada 2-1

Associated Press  

DOHA, Qatar — Walid Regragui stood in the middle of a team huddle as his players reached out and patted him vigorously on the head. Regragui has been an international coach for only three months but still guided Morocco to the last 16 of the World Cup for only the second time in its history with a 2-1 win over …

Moroccan fans bring alive dry draw against Croatia
2 years, 1 month ago

Moroccan fans bring alive dry draw against Croatia

Al Jazeera  

While the North Africans were hoping for an upset, they describe the result against the 2018 finalists as satisfactory. While many Moroccan fans were hoping for an upset against the finalists of the 2018 World Cup, a draw sets their team up for a possible pathway to advance beyond the group stage of the World Cup — and its supporters …

Qatar World Cup squad 2022 guide: Players, odds, fixtures and more
2 years, 1 month ago

Qatar World Cup squad 2022 guide: Players, odds, fixtures and more

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Run your finger through Qatar’s World Cup squad and even the most …

DC Edit | Does Qatar deserve this Cup?
2 years, 1 month ago

DC Edit | Does Qatar deserve this Cup?

Deccan Chronicle  

As the greatest show on turf, beginning on Sunday at the Al-Bayt stadium to end in a grand finale on Dec. 18 at the iconic Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar, billions of fans of the world’s most popular sport will be glued to their television sets, following the fortunes of their national team or their favourites at the 2022 Fifa …

Can perennial underachievers Morocco finally soar at World Cup?
2 years, 1 month ago

Can perennial underachievers Morocco finally soar at World Cup?

Al Jazeera  

The brilliant consistency of star fullback Achraf Hakimi may be crucial to Morocco’s chances at the World Cup this time. Previous World Cup appearances: 5 Titles: 0 Best finish: Round of 16 World Cup record: W2 L9 D5 Goals: 14 Biggest win: 3-0 vs Scotland Player to watch: Achraf Hakimi Ranking: 22 Fixtures: Croatia, Belgium and Canada Sitting pretty at …

FIFA World Cup 2022: Who are Morocco’s most notable players at Qatar WC
2 years, 1 month ago

FIFA World Cup 2022: Who are Morocco’s most notable players at Qatar WC

The Hindu  

Morocco coach Walid Regragui announced a 26-member squad, including five players from top clubs in Europe for the FIFA World Cup 2022. These players include Chelsea forward Hakim Ziyech, Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi, Bayern Munich’s Nosair Mazraoui, Sevilla custodian Yassine Bounou and France-born Marseille striker Amin Harit. Morocco qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, beating Congo DR 5-2 …

Morocco squad for FIFA World Cup 2022: Ziyech and Hakimi headline Morocco 26-man team
2 years, 1 month ago

Morocco squad for FIFA World Cup 2022: Ziyech and Hakimi headline Morocco 26-man team

The Hindu  

Morocco coach Walid Regragui called up Chelsea forward Hakim Ziyech and Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi for his World Cup squad on Thursday, less than two weeks before it kicks off against Croatia. “We worked hard on this list with the staff, it’s the best possible line-up to defend our colours,” Regragui told journalists in Rabat. Morocco World Cup squad Goalkeepers: …

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