Morocco’s World Cup Dream Comes to an End
The hearts of the football world had been captured by the sensational ascent of Morocco during this World Cup, the African nation going further than any had before. The dream might have ended abruptly, but the pride held by the nation’s supporters will live on. The sensational run in Qatar World Cup by the Moroccans made the team the first African or Arab nation to reach the semi-final stage of the competition – but ultimately at this stage the quality of opponents will always be tip-top, and France showed their resilience and quality against the Moroccans to brush them aside in an intense 90 minutes at the Al Bayt stadium.
The heart of Marrakech – the city transformed during the World Cup as the nation’s footballer’s stunned the world week in week out, beating Belgium, Portugal, and Spain. ©A_Different_Perspective/Pixabay
The game started in the worst way possible, as Theo Hernandez caught the Moroccan defense and goalkeeper on their heels – taking his time to let the ball bounce in the 6-yard box before volleying the ball into the net after letting it hang for what seemed an eternity. With just 5 minutes on the clock when the ball hit the net, it was always going to be an uphill battle going forward from there.
Substitute Randal Kolo Muani doubled the French advantage late into the match, setting up a second-consecutive advancement to the final for France. The goal came again the run of play, Morocco had been piling the pressure on and punching well above their weight for the majority of the second half – the biggest chance coming from hitting the post dramatically following a bicycle kick from the edge of the 18-yard box.
The team surely pulled out all the stops in this match, giving everything on the field it was clear that the team left nothing on the pitch. Even getting to this match had shocked many pundits and football experts around the world, but to cause the world champions such problems for long periods of the match is a phenomenal achievement in itself. Morocco wanted to re-write history in this match, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be. However, they have paved the way for their country to be considered amongst the top nations in the world, beating top European teams: Belgium, Spain and Portugal, in their journey to the World Cup semi-final.
Morocco Captured Hearts of the World
The Moroccans find themselves in the third and fourth play-off match – which for a team that were not tipped to make it past the group stages, screams of the achievement that they’ve made over the past several years. Star players like Hakimi, Boufal, and Ziyech stunned opponents throughout this tournament. Often taking the game to the opposition, is direct and patient attacking football. The hallmarks of the world’s greatest football club tactical philosophies were poignant in the exhibition style of play showcased by Morocco.
Morocco’s football team, known as the Atlas Lions, has a long and storied history in the world of international football. In recent years, the team has enjoyed a resurgence of success on the world stage, thanks in part to a talented crop of young players and a strong showing at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. In 2018, Morocco qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 20 years and made it out of the group stage before falling to the eventual runners-up, Croatia, in the round of 16.
This strong showing was the result of years of hard work and investment in the team, and it cemented Morocco’s position as one of Africa’s top footballing nations. In 2019, Morocco continued its strong performance, winning the African Cup of Nations for the first time in over 30 years. The team, led by its star player, Hakim Ziyech, dominated the tournament and beat Senegal in the final to claim the trophy.
FIFA World Cup in Qatar 2022 will go down as the highest achievement in a World Cup tournament by any African nation, one that will live on in the hearts of Morocco’s fanbase for years to come. And now, the world looks on to Sunday to witness France take on Argentina, and witness the great Lionel Messi step out onto the field in a World Cup match for the final time.
