Morocco have undoubtedly been the surprise package of Qatar 2022. The Atlas Lions gave a good glimpse of what they’re all about by picking up seven points en route to winning a group also containing 2018 runners-up Croatia – then cementing their credentials by defeating a slick Spanish side in the last 16. They’re just the fourth African country – and the first North African – to reach the World Cup quarter-final.
It’s been 12 long years since Africa boasted a World Cup quarter-finalist, with the continent’s teams trying and failing to emulate Ghana at both the tournaments of 2014 and 2018.
The wait ended on Tuesday, as Morocco became Africa’s fourth ever quarter-finalists as they neutralised Spain during a 0-0 draw before outgunning La Roja 3 - 0 on penalties.
It’s a magnificent moment for the Atlas Lions as they register their best ever World Cup performance, eclipsing the 1986 team who were eliminated by Germany in the Last 16 and making up for the failure of 2018, when a talented side fell in the group stage.
It’s not just a historic moment for the North African nation, who only have one Africa Cup of Nations victory to their name, but also for countries from the region, as they mark the first tournament in the Middle East by becoming the first Arab nation to reach the Last Eight.
But can they succeed where Cameroon (1990), Senegal (2002) and Ghana (2010) failed and make it into the semi-finals?
Despite the euphoria of smashing Switzerland 6 - 1, playing a lot better without their superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo and discovering a more pacy, a more ruthless striker in Goncalo Ramos; Portugal should be weary of Morocco.
The Atlas Lions are now in cloud seven; with the whole of Qatar fans, Arab world and African continent backing them and rooting for another stellar performance that could take them to the semis. Now anything can happen!
