Morocco has experienced a World Cup fairytale like no other. The Atlas Lions are already the most successful African team in World Cup history – becoming the first ever nation to reach the final four of the tournament.
To reach the semifinal stage, Morocco has beaten European heavyweights Belgium, Spain and Portugal.
Now the Atlas Lions face the best Europe has to offer – world champion France.
Despite the close ties between the nations, Morocco and France have only played five times, with Morocco losing four times and drawing once.
After Morocco defeated Portugal, head coach Walid Regragui compared his team to “Rocky.”
“We have made our people and our continent so happy and proud. When you watch ‘Rocky,’ you want to support Rocky Balboa and I think we are the ‘Rocky’ of this World Cup,” said Regragui. “I think now the world is with Morocco.”
Morocco has certainly punched above its weight at Qatar 2022, in part thanks to the team’s “12th man” in the stands.
Thousands of Moroccans live in Doha and thousands more have made the short trip across the Middle East to support their nation, creating an unceasing din at every match.
After the win against Portugal, Morocco’s national airline Royal Air Maroc said it was offering nearly 30 flights to Doha ahead of the game against France, state-run news agency MAP reported Monday.
