RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Ecstatic Moroccans poured into the streets of their capital and in cities throughout the North African nation on Saturday, waving flags, honking horns and lighting flares to have a good time the nationwide soccer group’s historic victory over Portugal on the World Cup.Morocco beat the Portuguese 1-0 in Qatar, knocking Cristiano Ronaldo out of the match and making the Atlas Lions the primary African and first Arab group to succeed in the World Cup semifinals.The capital, Rabat, was bursting with pleasure whereas Morocco followers additionally celebrated within the streets of Doha and in cities throughout Europe, the place many Moroccans reside. Different followers from the Center East and Africa who’ve adopted the Atlas Lions as their group have been additionally jubilant.“We have been so confused as if we have been on the pitch with the gamers, however now we would like the trophy,” mentioned Mohamed Amine, who was celebrating in Rabat. “The gamers, this group lifted Morocco’s popularity excessive among the many nations of the world.”The victory has Morocco followers stuffed with confidence for the times forward. The group will face both France or England within the semifinals on Wednesday.“I’m so comfortable that I don’t even know if I can specific myself, but when we’re right here now, I consider that we will make it to the ultimate,” Yasmine Benmehredj mentioned throughout celebrations within the Moroccan capital. “I feel we will win this World Cup.”In Qatar, a whole bunch of elated followers clad in inexperienced and crimson exterior Al Thumama Stadium celebrated Morocco’s win, chanting, ululating, banging on drums and waving the nationwide flag. Some chanted: “Congratulations to us for this starting! It can solely go on and on!”“That is unbelievable. It’s the primary time ever,” mentioned Saleh al-Rayes, a 27-year-old fan from Saudi Arabia in Doha.As an Arab on the first World Cup held within the Center East, al-Rayes mentioned he feels a way of inclusion and illustration on the planet of soccer, a spot that has been dominated by European and South American groups.“You are available as an underdog and you then win. It’s Arab pleasure,” al-Rayes mentioned. “All Arab nations have been right here within the stadium supporting Morocco.”Morocco’s phenomenal run in Qatar additionally reverberated throughout Africa on Saturday.“Continental historical past!” the Confederation of African Soccer wrote on Twitter after Morocco’s victory.“Historic and improbable,” African Union chair and Senegalese President Macky Sall wrote in a tweet. ___Surk reported from Good, France. Related Press writers Luis Henao in Doha, Qatar, and Cara Anna, in Nairobi, Kenya, contributed to this report.___
Ecstatic Moroccans have a good time World Cup victory over Portugal
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