Delighted and exuberant Moroccans poured into the streets of their capital and in cities across Europe and around the world on Tuesday, December 6, to celebrate their historic win over Spain
The Atlas Lions were the only team from outside of Europe or South America to advance to the quarterfinals in Qatar after Morocco defeated Spain on penalties. The world cup win signalled the first Arab team in World Cup history to make it to the last eight of the finals.
Niama Meddoun, a Rabat resident, said: “We are so proud of our Lions, who fought hard to get us into the quarterfinals. We are delighted to be Moroccans today since we are the first Arab country that has reached the quarterfinals.”
The King of Morocco, Mohammed VI, through a statement from the royal palace, praised the national team and sent his “heartfelt congratulations” to the players, the technical team, and administrative personnel, “who gave their all and blazed a trail throughout this great sporting event,” according
The king said the players represented the “hopes and dreams of Moroccans in Morocco, Qatar, and all over the world.”
Celebrations carried on until the early hours, and social media was flooded with tributes to the team.
