In a huge victory for the Arab, African and Muslim countries, the Atlas Lions have advanced to the World Cup semifinals, becoming the first African country in that stage in the history of Mundial.
With a 1-0 win over Portugal on Saturday, they are now also a second Muslim country to have ever recorded that remarkable achievement so far.
On the 42nd minute of the first half, Youssef En-Nesyri skied to win a header from a towering cross by Yahya Attiat-Allah to score the game’s only goal, New York Times reported.
After the end of the game, the team went into celebrations as whole team kneeled to the ground to thank Allah the Almighty.
Morocco’s victory to the semifinals likely ends Cristiano Ronaldo’s chances of ever winning a World Cup.
The huge win has sent the Arab world into a state of ecstasy that it had previously never experienced.
“Pinch me, I think I’m dreaming,” Yassine Bounou, the Morocco goalkeeper, said after the game.
“These moments are great but we’re here to change the mentality. With this feeling of inferiority, we have to get rid of it. The Moroccan player can face any in the world. The generation coming after us will know we can create miracles.”
Morocco advanced to a semi-final clash to face either England or France, meeting later on Saturday.
Earlier this month, the Atlas Lions clinched a spot in the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
Morocco is one of six Muslim countries that qualified for the competition, holding high hopes of reaching as far as possible in the international tournament.