Morocco makes history advancing to World Cup semifinals

Morocco defeated Portugal on Saturday, becoming the first Arab and African nation ever to advance to the round of four in the world soccer championship. Today's game against Portugal has inspired jokes about the medieval Muslim conquest of Iberia.
Morocco players celebrate after their win in the penalty shoot out during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Morocco and Spain at Education City Stadium on December 06, 2022 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Morocco players celebrate after their win in the penalty shoot out during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Morocco and Spain at Education City Stadium on Dec. 6, 2022 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. - Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Al Monitor: The Pulse of the Middle East
Al-Monitor Staff

The Moroccan soccer team made history in Qatar on Saturday defeating Portugal and advancing to the World Cup semifinals, becoming the first Arab and African country to do so in the history of the championship.

Portugal was favored to defeat Morocco in the quarterfinal match with a FIFA ranking 9 vs. 22, but the Moroccan squad known as "Atlas Lions" delivered a historic victory of 1-0. Youssef En-Nesyri scored the winning goal.

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