Morocco’s historic achievement in the World Cup was hailed around the world

CNN
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As the first African country and the first Arab country to reach world Cup Semi-finals Morocco The football team now represents so much more than its country as its accomplishments have united a region and continent in celebration.

The Moroccan flag was flown in cities around the world on Saturday, as fans celebrated the Atlas Lions. Historic victory 1-0 over Portugal.

Videos on social media show car horns blaring for a long time in Casablanca. dancing crowds in London’s Trafalgar Square; crowded streets in Rabat; Fans in Paris celebrated and the corridors of Moroccan fans erupted with joy when Youssef En-Nesiri’s header hit the net and again at the final whistle.

Political leaders from around the world also paid tribute to the Atlas Lions, who have now defeated Belgium, Spain and Portugal – all ranked in the top 10 of the FIFA World Rankings – in this tournament.

President of Chad Mohamed Idriss Deby he said on Twitter: “Historic and extraordinary! The qualification of the Atlas Lions for the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup is the qualification of all Africa. Full support for Africa’s representatives in the Grand Final. World Champion in Africa, yes, it is possible, God willing! ”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid in Dubai chirp“There is no voice louder than Morocco’s at the World Cup!”

“We share the joy of our brothers,” chirp Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani.

“We rejoice when the Arabs rejoice,” Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh told Reuters, praising the “historic” victory.

Rival Palestinian movements Fatah and Hamas also sent congratulations, according to Reuters.

Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid al-Dabaiba chirp“Congratulations to the Moroccan national team for their historic qualification to the semi-finals of the World Cup,” along with the Moroccan flag emoji.

Jordan’s King Abdullah II congratulated Morocco’s Mohammed VI over a phone call, and wished the team “success in the rest of the matches,” according to the Royal Hashemite Court. Twitter account He said.

Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs chirpSincere congratulations to the sisterly Kingdom of Morocco.

“I congratulate the Atlas Lions on their victory today and becoming the first African and Arab team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup,” US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken chirp.

Three African nations have reached the quarter-finals before – Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010 – but they came agonizingly late in advancing to the semi-finals.

Morocco’s success marks a very important moment in the history of African football, which has been hailed by some of the continent’s biggest soccer stars.

“Continental history!… What an achievement for the Atlas Lions,” Confederation of African Football chirp.

“They did it!!!! Well done Morocco for this feat. Long live Africa!” chirp Retired Ivorian star Didier Drogba.

Samuel Eto’o, former Cameroon striker and current president of the country’s football federation, he said on Twitter: “Awesome!…the entire continent is rooting for you.”

Even pop star Shakira joined in the celebration, Twitter, “This time for Africa!!” Referring to her song that she used during the 2010 World Cup, with an emoji of applause and a Moroccan flag.