 "Watch: FIFA World Cup win makes Morocco the 'pride' of Arab fans")
Thousands of Morocco fans descended on the streets of Doha to celebrate their country becoming the first Arab nation to reach the World Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday. Despite some minor trouble outside the stadium, the victory over Spain became a celebration of “Arab pride” for supporters from across the region. Walid Regragui’s side won 3-0 in a penalty shootout after the match finished goalless following extra-time.
So many people packed Doha’s central Souq Waqif market – a traditional gathering point for World Cup fans – that police sealed it off just before midnight, with thousands waiting in groups at different entrances.
Moroccan fans are the best 🇲🇦🇲🇦#Maroc #Morocco #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/5soscs77R1
— Fayçal Bouhamidi (@TheParister) December 1, 2022
Copying the celebration of Moroccan players inside Doha’s Education City Stadium, many fans waved Palestinian flags, stepping up a political show of solidarity that has marked this World Cup. “This is the first World Cup on Arab territory and we are carrying the Arab flag in this tournament,” said Yussuf Akram, who waved Moroccan and Palestinian emblems in the crowded Souq alleys.
“With our souls, our blood, we sacrifice you Palestine". 🇵🇸
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) December 6, 2022
Hundreds of Moroccan fans cheer for Palestine at #FIFAWorldCup today as they celebrate Morocco’s victory against Spain. 🇵🇸🔥🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/WkiWo37pj9
Saudis, Qataris and Egyptians joined the celebrations, waving their countries’ flags in the traditional market as police gathered around the edge. “This is a matter of pride, we are all happy for Morocco,” said Aysha Bedawi, who came from Cairo to watch World Cup matches. “It does not matter which team reached this stage, as long as there is one Arab team there we still have hope.” Arab teams have previously reached the last 16 at a World Cup three times – Morocco (1986), Saudi Arabia (1994) and Algeria (2014). The prospect of playing Portugal in a quarter-final did not worry supporters who chanted “bring on Ronaldo” outside a TV studio set up in the Souq.
Morocco fans celebrating in Barcelona after their victory against Spain pic.twitter.com/lppb7gAI9A
— Samer Hamawi (@Samerskills) December 6, 2022
Incredible scenes in Rabat, Morocco 🇲🇦 of fans celebrating booking their spot to the quarter-finals for the first time. #FIFAWorldCup
— Mimi Fawaz (@MimosaFawaz) December 6, 2022
pic.twitter.com/sXBjp0Dvn2
“If Morocco can beat Spain, who have been world champions, then they can handle Cristiano Ronaldo,” said Mohamed Benyoub, a Moroccan living in Qatar. “I cried when the game finished, I never thought I would see something like this.” Organisers said police had to move in to stop “unticketed fans” beating down a stadium boundary fence to gain entry. No injuries were reported. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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