When Morocco beat Portugal they became history-makers. They were going to the semi-finals of the World Cup. This was a feat unheard of. An African nation making it this far? And beating Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo? No one could have predicted that. But they did. Against all odds they did.
In knocking out Portugal, Morrocco became the first Arab or African country in history to make it to the semi finals of a World Cup. From being held in Qatar to having an Arab nation dominating their run during the World Cup, this tournament has generated an outpouring of pride in the Arab world.
Morocco have well and truly defied expectations.
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Revenge of the underdogs
African nations are the underdogs when it comes to football. However, this idea has been proved wrong.
Portugal were favourites to win. They had been dominating the whole game. But a goal in the 42nd minute by Youssef En Nesyri shattered those dreams for Ronaldo’s team.
Their win against Portugal will have a profound effect on identity. Young French people of Maghreb origins would now proudly support Morocco over France. This sent ripples through France. Not just through France but all across Maghreb countries. They can now feel pride in who they are.
Morocco is no longer the underdog and has proved that by defying all expectations.
Morocco against France
There is a lot of symbolism for a game between France and Morocco. The countries have a lot of shared history, although the two do not always share the happiest of relationships. France had a protectorate over Morocco for half a century starting in 1912.
France also saw a large number of Maghreb immigrants arriving in France in the post war period, mostly as labour and economic immigrants. This means that today there are over 780,000 people of Moroccan origin living in France. But France has been blocking visas for their relatives to visit, which has resulted in tension between the two countries.
Therefore there were fears that a semi-final between France and Morocco would not go down well. There were fears of violence in the streets and concerns that the game would become too politicised.
Moreover, for those Moroccans living in France it meant that they would have had to choose between their origins or their adoptive country.
Thankfully, the football did the talking and, while Morocco didn’t triumph, they will always be history-makers.
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