via The Guardian
The World Cup keeps surprising us, with smaller teams beating bigger teams and advancing further in the tournament than we expected. More specifically, having an Arab country beat bigger teams and reach the semi-finals has surprised everyone.
Now, Morocco is not just an Arab country that qualified for the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Instead, it is an entity representing all Arabs of the world, as it historically marks the first Arab national team to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA World cup.
via The Times
Here’s What Happened if You’re Not up to Date
After only 42 minutes of the Morocco vs Portugal match, one goal by En-Nesyri against the football legends of Portugal changed the game’s stakes and made everyone take note. And we’re still unable to get over Yassine Bono, Morocco’s dam-like goalkeeper, blocking all possible goals coming near the Arabian lions’ den, including those made by Christiano Ronaldo himself!
It was an intense and fun match to watch. It was undeniably impressive to witness Morocco beat the incredible Portuguese lineup that ended in a score of 1-0 and allowed Morocco to proceed to the semi-finals as the first Arab team to do so in history. And now we’re impatiently waiting for their next match against France!
via The Telegraph
Why Arabs Are So Excited
Arab teams barely receive any recognition in the World Cup. But this year, Saudi Arabia surprised many with their win against Argentina, including football powerhouse Leo Messi. And then came the 2022 World Cup undefeated team Morocco who not only won or tied all of their matches but heroically managed to make it to the semi-finals.
It was refreshing and warm to see the reflective reactions of the Arab players to their win. Some players brought out their mothers to centre stage to celebrate, and the entire team engaged in a group prayer following the stoic match.
The team won against Belgium and Portugal and tied with Spain, and we can’t begin to imagine what they’re going to do with France, the winners of the last World Cup in 2018. But we’re rooting for them and wishing them luck!
