Morocco fans cheer during the quarter-final match against Portugal on December 10. Pic: Ayman Kamel
Being the only Arab and African nation left in the World Cup, Morocco have drawn a huge support from fans after their stunning performances in Qatar.
Dubbed “the Rocky Balboa of this World Cup” by coach Walid Regragui, Morocco have on their side fans from African and Arab nations besides an overwhelming support from their compatriots, who have made the Atlas Lions feel right at home.
With 30 flights being put on to fly supporters in from Morocco ahead of their semi-final against France, the reigning champions are aware of a pressure from the sea of red during tonight’s semi-final at the Al Bayt Stadium. The venue can accommodate over 68,000 fans and has operated at full capacity in almost all of its World Cup games.
“A lot of Morocco fans will encourage their team and it is going to be tough. We will have to remain focused,” France captain Hugo Lloris told reporters yesterday.
France’s Hugo Lloris during the press conference, yesterday. Reuters
“There are no secrets we have to perform on the pitch. You have to score more goals than your opponent. We need to show a great effort against them,” he added.
France coach Didier Deschamps rejected the term “hostile” when asked about the huge crowd support expected for Morocco, saying his players will be ready to cope up with the pressure.
“I don’t like the term hostile but there is a popular fervour behind them. It will be very noisy and my players have been warned about that. They know what to expect,” he said.
Regragui said the immense support from fans is giving extra motivation to his team that became the first African and Arab side to reach the World Cup semi-final after wins over Spain and Portugal.
“We’re deeply grateful for the show of support from our fans. It’s expensive to travel to Qatar from Morocco but such is the passion and emotion of our fans. This is another motivation for us to win tomorrow,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lloris, who won a French record 143rd cap in victory over England in the quarter-final, said his team is excited for the semi-final.
The Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper said the Atlas Lions deserve the praise after showing remarkable performance in the tournament.
“We can only have respect and admiration for what they have done, but nothing happens by chance at this level,” said the French captain.
“When a team is capable of beating Belgium, Spain and Portugal, and finish top of their group, it is because they have lots of quality on the field and undoubtedly off it too, in terms of cohesion and team spirit,” he said before expecting a difficult challenge from Morocco.
“It is already a success for Morocco by reaching the semi-finals but believe me they would not like to lose. We need to focus and play with concentration,” he said.
Morocco’s Ilias Chair, meanwhile, hoped his team to continue their fine performance in the semi-final.
“We are facing the world champions who are the best team in the world. We will give a great effort against them to reach the final,” the midfielder said.
“We are in the World Cup semi-finals which I never dreamed of in my life. I am proud what the team has achieved at this World Cup and we look to continue our run.”
