DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Morocco made historical past, however couldn’t make it previous Kylian Mbappé and France. The primary African nation to succeed in the semifinals of the World Cup was ultimately crushed by defending champions France, shedding 2-0 at Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday.There’s nonetheless the possibility to win the third place match towards Croatia on Saturday, however the dream of turning into the primary workforce from exterior of Europe or South America to go all the way in which to a remaining is over. Morocco coach Walid Regragui and his gamers grew to become the unlikeliest story of the World Cup and even in defeat, pushed France all the way in which. “My gamers gave every thing. They’ve gone so far as they may,” stated Regragui. “They needed to rewrite the historical past books, however you’ll be able to’t win a World Cup with miracles, you need to do it with onerous work and that’s what we’re going to do, maintain working.”EXPECTATION VS. PERFORMANCE Nobody may have anticipated Morocco to interrupt new boundaries for African soccer by making it to the semifinals. It was additionally the primary Arab nation to go to date at a World Cup. And it did so on benefit – topping a gaggle that contained 2018 finalist Croatia and second-ranked Belgium, earlier than progressing previous favorites Spain and Portugal within the knockout levels.However maybe Morocco’s greatest efficiency got here towards France when it needed to deal with accidents to key gamers and conceding a objective inside 5 minutes. Within the face of these challenges it nonetheless managed to stress France for lengthy durations till Randal Kolo Muani’s 79th minute strike sealed the win for Les Bleus. The efficiency typified Morocco’s spirit at this match and the standard of its gamers. WHO’S OUT?Regragui has received loads of admirers for his tactical acumen towards a number of the giants of worldwide soccer. Will probably be fascinating to see if any gives come his manner from main membership groups in Europe – and whether or not he could be tempted to take up a brand new problem. He says he’s dedicated to main Morocco on the 2023 African Cup of Nations, which can come as a aid to the nation’s followers.Key defender and captain Romain Saiss is 32 and will have performed in his final World Cup, however Morocco has lots of younger gamers, who may go once more in 4 years when the match is held in the US, Canada and Mexico. WHO’S NEXT?Midfielder Azz-Eddine Ounahi has been one of many brightest rising abilities on the match and might be the topic of curiosity from main golf equipment in January or subsequent summer time. At 22 he’s but to succeed in his peak and at present performs his membership soccer for Angers, the underside membership in France’s first division. Achraf Hakimi is already established at Paris Saint-Germain, however the 24-year-old proper again has the potential to develop additional and lead a golden era for Morocco. WHAT’S NEXT? To start with Morocco desires to spherical off an unforgettable World Cup by profitable its third place match towards Croatia. Focus will then flip to the African Cup of Nations and Regragui is snug with the added expectation after the success in Qatar. “There’s extra stress. We all know that we have been typically the favorites, however now within the semifinals we couldn’t conceal,” he stated. “I feel we may have a little bit of time to seek out our manner within the competitors. The subsequent match is in March.“However like I stated earlier than, I’m not hiding. If we don’t get to a minimum of the semifinals, then I’ll depart. It must be that manner.”___James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson___AP World Cup protection: https://Fifanews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports