Morocco is not only writing the history of the World Cup for its country.
It is doing this for the whole of Africa and for the entire Arab world.
Sportbladet came out to a crowd on the outskirts of Stockholm to watch the World Cup semi-final match against France.
Wednesday December 14th will always be a historic day for Moroccan football, really no matter how the World Cup semi-final against France goes.
This is because Morocco, as the first African country, as well as the first Arab country, has reached the semi-finals.
In a restaurant in the Stockholm suburb of Norseborg, a group of Swedish-Moroccan fans gathered to eat, watch the match together and cheer on Morocco in a historic World Cup final.
Atmosphere? They are waiting and inviting.
“I showed the world that you can make your dreams come true”
– For everyone who originally came from Morocco, this is a matter of pride. I’ve always been a proud Moroccan, but that’s extra. We showed the world that you can make your dreams come true. It’s huge for all Swedish Moroccans. This was shown in the ceremonies that were present everywhere. Iman, one of the forty on the site, tells Sportbladet that history is being written.
Did you think this team could reach the World Cup semi-finals?
– We have a strong belief that if you work hard, you will achieve what you seek. Our team has always supported us. But it was a great pride and feeling for the nation. The entire Moroccan royal family, Moroccans in general, Moroccans abroad… Everyone has tried to support and be with the Moroccan national team.
“Represents more than just Morocco”
But the “Atlas Lions”, who on the way to the semi-finals against France beat such large European teams as Spain and Portugal, are bolstered by much more than that.
– It’s like different teams represented their countries. Now it seems that Morocco represents all the Arab countries. I felt how all countries supported our team. We represent the whole of Africa too.
But in Norseburg this Tuesday, Moroccan flags hang from the ceiling and fly in the air, along with the sound of Arab commentators from the TV screens in place.
– I can’t describe how happy I am. I’m so happy about this,” says Nadia, with her big Moroccan flag on her shoulders.
Emotional rollercoaster
She is one of those who sing along with the national anthem before setting off the strongest and their families.
However, it didn’t take several minutes after kick-off before France’s Theo Hernandez’s early goal caused expressions to go from expectation to nervousness.
Soon, when Morocco gets a chance to equalize nicely, the facial expression is turned back.
No matter how the assembled crowd of fans handles the emotional rollercoaster of this historic night, one thing is clear.
The pride of their national team will not be shaken.