Morocco

As the first African and first Arab country to reach the World Cup semifinals, Morocco's soccer team now represents so much more than its own nation as its ...

[tweeted](https://twitter.com/CAF_Online/status/1601621894507433987). [said on Twitter](https://twitter.com/SamuelEtoo/status/1601642879088459777): “Incredible! [tweeted](https://twitter.com/SecBlinken/status/1601667928017227776). The qualification of the Atlas Lions for the semi-final of the 2022 world is that of all Africa. [Twitter account](https://twitter.com/RHCJO/status/1601884873765142528) said. Full support to the representatives of Africa for the grand finale.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has talent scouts dotted around Europe and move quickly when there is a potential clash of loyalties. Dutch-born Hakim ...

When he comes to the national team he wants to die, he wants to fight. We never force things, it's an honest discussion with the player and his family," explains Noureddine Moukrim, a youth coach in Belgium who scouted for Morocco for nine years. Moroccans are one of the largest migrant populations in Europe, estimated at some five million, and have close ties with the country. "My parents are Moroccan and my grandparents are Moroccan. "Today we have shown that every Moroccan is Moroccan. Register for free to Reuters and know the full story

The four teams are still riding high after their respective wins in the World Cup quarter-finals, but anticipation is already building ahead of the next ...

"We gave them a little ammunition with two penalties, but it is with hearts and guts that we held on to this result," France manager Didier Deschamps said. I told the guys before the match we had to write history for Africa. Your legacy is far from over," Pele wrote on Instagram. The four teams are still riding high after their respective wins in the World Cup quarter-finals, but anticipation is already building ahead of the next step: the semis on Tuesday and Wednesday. But Kane blasted his kick high over the crossbar, spurning the chance to send the game into extra time. Croatia will attempt to reach its second World Cup final in as many competitions, and Morocco is looking to continue its historic run after it became the first African team and the first Arab team to ever make it to the final four.

Two people dancing on a football field. Morocco's Sofiane Boufal celebrates with his mother after the team's 1-0 victory over Portugal in the FIFA World Cup ...

in unison, drowning out the handful of Portuguese fans and whistling whenever Portugal took possession of the ball. Palestinian flags were regularly featured in groups of Morocco's supporters in Qatar and among fans celebrating in Europe. We are so proud of this team that is supported by Africa and Arabs" said Siham Motahir, a young woman in Rabat, where cafes had filled with fans to watch the game. After its previous win, Morocco's team had posed with the Palestinian flag. "They made us happy and proud and they proved that they can make it to the final. "Through Morocco Africa has just shown that it can compete with other continents in football," he said

Morocco have become the first African country to reach the World Cup semi-finals by beating Portugal 1-0, while...

If this is the end for Ronaldo at international level, he'll finish with 118 goals -- a record in men's soccer -- and a European Championship title but not soccer's biggest prize. He missed his only chance to equalise in added time. It doesn't cost you to dream." We have changed the mentality of the generation coming after us. Ronaldo, who will be 41 by the time of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, barely got a touch of the ball until his stoppage-time effort. They'll know Moroccan players can create miracles."

Doha – The first World Cup in the Arab world began with a shock: Saudi Arabia upsetting Argentina in a first-round game, setting off waves of jubilation in ...

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou leant back in his chair, shook his head and said: "Pinch me, I'm dreaming."...

"When you put in so much heart, you give yourselves a chance." Regragui was about to inherit the most talented Morocco squad in a generation. They have only allowed 10 shots on target in five games. The statistics behind Morocco's run are extraordinary. "We have a clear game plan -- everyone has to work," said Regragui. He has created a masterpiece.

How to watch, listen and follow today's matches and at the World Cup on SBS Sport and SBS On Demand: England v France and Morocco v Protugal.

Morocco will be sweating on Saiss having to be substituted due to injury but can take heart that they still kept a clean sheet against a dangerous Portugal side that scored six goals in their previous outing. Kylian Mbappe was well-marked against England but France proved they don't solely rely on him to win matches - Tchouameni's strike was a peach and Olivier Giroud did what he does best, getting in front of Harry Maguire and nodding home the winner. Of course, if France simply outscore the opposition their defence may not need to be as water-tight as other teams but against a Morocco side that have only conceded one goal all tournament this may be a risky ploy.

The 'Rocky Balboa' team toppling football giants... and how a big gamble could deliver WC 'miracle'

“Africa is back on the map of football today,” Regragui said after the Portugal win. Part of the success – and one of the key reasons they have been embraced by fans from all nations – is due to Regragui’s decision to invite the families of the players to Qatar and make them a key part of the team’s journey. Now, it is Morocco – who also bid to host that 2010 tournament – carrying the hopes of a continent. we have indeed changed this mentality, and the generation coming after us will know that Moroccan players can create miracles.” The parents and families are in the front row at their games, or even on the pitch celebrating with the team after victories. Their historic journey has drawn in and enchanted fans from around the world. “I’ve been living in France for more than 50 years now and this is the first competition that I left Paris for.” In what is already a memorable World Cup – the first to be held in the Middle East – the Moroccan underdogs have become the first African, Arab, and Muslim nation to ever reach the final four. He debuted for Morocco later the same year, and has played a key role in their rapid rise, scoring against Canada then dispatching a penalty in the shootout win over Spain. In fact, the only goal they have conceded all tournament was an own goal in a 2-1 win over Canada. all over the world.” In their group stage, they also held out Croatia for a goalless draw, the 2018 finalists who also have reached the semi-finals this time around.

Soccer fans across Israel, West Bank and Gaza embrace Atlas Lions as their own; police accused of using excessive force to break up East Jerusalem ...

“I love the little guy playing soccer against the greats and I absolutely do not rule out them winning the World Cup. Sign in to stop seeing this](//crm.timesofisrael.com/sign-in) Similar scenes were seen in the West Bank. I believe Israel is stronger and more democratic when professional journalists do that tough job well. “I’m happy, but it’s not because I have Moroccan roots but mainly because I support the underdog and Morocco played smartly, using the tools it had,” Rafi Nidam, CEO of the SC Ashdod soccer team, told the Walla news site. “We celebrated just like everywhere else, but unfortunately they wanted to deny us the joy brought by the Moroccan team.”

The OCP Group has publicly committed to spend 130 billion dirhams ($12.3 billion) to increase fertiliser production from green energy sources by 2027 the ...

Though based in Morocco, the OCP Group has operations on five continents. The commitment was first made during a personal meeting between the CEO of OCP Group and Morocco’s King Mohammed IV at the Royal Palace in Rabat. The plan will support 600 different enterprises and is expected to create some 25,000 new jobs. The recent annoucement is part of a larger strategy that also involves investment in a U.S. The company believes that among other benefits the suc investments will help the company slash its ammonia imports and allow it to produce both “green ammonia” and “green hydrogen.” (CASABLANCA, Morocco) One of the world’s largest “supermajor” fertilizer production companies has made a substantial commitment to Green energy.

Defending champions against underdog challenger, a true David vs. Golaith meeting as France, the 2018 title holders take on Morocco, the first African ...

France are a different breed. This second semifinal clash will be played at the Al Bayt Stadium. The only way this pair of bets fails to return a profit is if either France fail to win in 90 minutes, or they concede more than once to Morocco. Most recently, we saw France coast through the first half against England, conceding long stretches of harmless possession. Morocco have swung slightly towards the first half as they defend with ferocity after the break, but they've also benefitted from opposing teams failing to convert chances. At the risk of doubting Morocco a third time, it's tough to imagine the Atlas Lions advancing to the World Cup final. It will take a Herculean effort to get past Morocco's organization and structure, but this is no green squad France possess. Therefore, we're no longer doubting the ability of this quasi-home team to perform. No consecutive World Cup finals in history have ever featured the same two teams. The next closest player on the expected assists chart is Jamal Musiala at 1.86. France, for all their offensive firepower, still can't overwhelm the organization of Morocco's defense which swings the under in heavy favor. Morocco sport a patchwork squad, beset with injuries, but the Atlas Lions have banded together to sport exceptional and surprising depth.

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou leant back in his chair, shook his head and said: "Pinch me, I'm dreaming."...

"When you put in so much heart, you give yourselves a chance." Regragui was about to inherit the most talented Morocco squad in a generation. They have only allowed 10 shots on target in five games. The statistics behind Morocco's run are extraordinary. "We have a clear game plan -- everyone has to work," said Regragui. He has created a masterpiece.

Morocco has toppled another European soccer giant with a 1-0 win over Portugal to become the first African nation to advance to the semifinals of the World ...

The first World Cup in the Arab world began with a shock, Saudi Arabia upsetting Argentina in a first-round game, setting off waves of jubilation in a ...

Ronaldo entered the stage with 40 minutes left, a platform to produce one more heroic act, a final cinematic moment in a career filled with cinematic moments.At the point of an attack that featured a line of four forwards in ever more desperate attempts to break Moroccan resistance, Ronaldo could not bend the World Cup to his will. The ball hung in the air for what seemed like an age, before the tall striker Youssef En-Nesyri, timing his run to perfection, headed it in a fraction of a second before goalkeeper Diogo Costa could get his hand on it.It was in the aftermath of that goal when Morocco let its guard down for the only time in the game, allowing the ball to ricochet dangerously close to its goal. Portugal almost tied the game at that moment, with midfielder Bruno Fernandes hitting a strike from an improbable angle that came crashing off the bar.That was as close as Morocco would let Portugal get.By the final minutes of the game, Morocco was reduced to 10 men with substitute Walid Cheddira collecting two yellow cards in quick succession. Shots were blocked and tackles were made as Moroccan numbers seemingly multiplied in the face of incessant waves of Portuguese attacks.Portugal simply could not get the ball to break for it. “They have exceeded all expectations and made all of us believe in more than football.”She added: “Every Moroccan feels invincible and capable of doing and succeeding in anything even against the odds. Every period of Portuguese possession was met with ear-piercing whistles, and every Moroccan incursion the other way was greeted with the type of boisterous cheering that threatened to pull the ball into the Portuguese net.Soccer fans crowd onto Steinway Street to celebrate Morocco’s historic win over Portugal at the 2022 World Cup, in Astoria, Queens. “I am happy and proud to see men and women shoulder to shoulder supporting and lifting the national team,” said Loubna Taleb, 34, a political adviser at an embassy in the capital. But as Morocco celebrated Saturday’s victory, the result almost certainly meant the end of another era.Ronaldo arrived in Qatar as one of the most famous people in the world, one of the best players to play soccer in any era. Cries of joy, horns, and fireworks kicked off a party, worthy of a World Cup final, that spread through the Moroccan capital.Hundreds of families — women, men, and children — sang, danced, and played instruments in a sea of red and green, the colors of the Moroccan flag. He ran, he chased balls in behind, he leaped to get his head to balls, he tried to find shooting angles, everything and anything to break the redshirted Moroccan barrier.So did his teammates. Many more people gathered in front of the parliament building, blocking traffic and greeting one another with “mabrouk alina” (“congratulations to us”).Morocco added Portugal — and its superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo — to the list of major European nations that it has unexpectedly dumped out of the Cup. (Photos: NYTimes)+- DOHA — The first World Cup in the Arab world began with a shock, Saudi Arabia upsetting Argentina in a first-round game, setting off waves of jubilation in a region lacking in soccer giants.The tournament in Qatar is reaching its final stages with another stunner: Morocco upset Portugal on Saturday to become the first country in Africa and the Arab world to ever reach the semifinals.Supporters who packed cafes in Rabat, Morocco, poured into the streets after the final whistle of the 1–0 game.

Yes, Morocco really is in the World Cup semifinals. No team has been able to crack the code. Can France in the semifinals?

The supporters have been ubiquitous in Doha, proudly carrying around the Morocco flag and wearing the team’s red jerseys. “We are showing the world you can succeed even if you don’t have as much talent and money.” Regragui’s task was two-fold: to get his players functioning in a system that could get results at the World Cup and to get them believing they could shock the world. Regragui was about to inherit the most talented Morocco squad in a generation. “I told them, ‘You don’t come to the World Cup only to play three games,” he said. Its players were talented but battling a culture of underachievement by the country at major soccer tournaments.

Soccer fans across Israel, West Bank and Gaza celebrated Morocco's historic win over Portugal at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, sending the African nation into ...

Similar scenes were seen in the West Bank. “I love the little guy playing soccer against the greats and I absolutely do not rule out them winning the World Cup. “I’m happy, but it’s not because I have Moroccan roots but mainly because I support the underdog and Morocco played smartly, using the tools it had,” Rafi Nidam, CEO of the SC Ashdod soccer team, told the Walla news site. “We celebrated just like everywhere else, but unfortunately they wanted to deny us the joy brought by the Moroccan team.” “It’s an indescribable feeling. Morocco’s victory in Qatar has also touched Palestinians, with the players and many of their supporters expressing solidarity on and off the field during the World Cup.

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou leant back in his chair, shook his head and said: "Pinch me, I'm dreaming."...

"When you put in so much heart, you give yourselves a chance." Regragui was about to inherit the most talented Morocco squad in a generation. They have only allowed 10 shots on target in five games. The statistics behind Morocco's run are extraordinary. "We have a clear game plan -- everyone has to work," said Regragui. He has created a masterpiece.

Despite taking the scalps of Belgium, Spain and Portugal at the 2022 World Cup, Morocco enters their Semi Final clash with France as massive underdogs.

“I think all four teams are a really good shout (to make the final). “They (Morocco) have some really good attacking players. SEN will broadcast every game of this year’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Tournament.

The Atlas Lions' victory over Portugal brought joy to the African, Arab and Amazigh diaspora.

“I think it’s kind of reconnected me again to the Moroccan community online,” Wahbi said. “It brought my Moroccan identity to the forefront,” said the 29-year-old. Wahbi, who has a young mixed-race daughter, said Morocco’s victory was especially important to him as a father. “We were all Moroccan [for the game],” Boujettef added. “They came here in the late 50s and 60s. “It makes us proud,” Boujettef said.