Morocco seek another victory over 'colonial countries' in World Cup semifinal against France

By Cagri Kosak, Ebu Bekir Askin

ISTANBUL (AA) - Morocco -- managed to reach the semifinals -- aim to achieve a new victory against the countries with a colonial past, with the upcoming semifinal duel against France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosted by Qatar.

Following the unexpected victories of Saudi Arabia and Iran in the group phase, Morocco finished Group F, which included Croatia, Belgium and Canada, with two wins and a draw, to become the only Arab nation to advance from the group stage.

- Historic victory against Spain

Morocco defeated one of the tournament's powerhouses, Spain, in the Round of the Last 16 with penalties.

This success was widely celebrated in the Arab world, while Madrid-born Ashraf Hakimi's netting the last goal that brought the victory became one of the hottest topics in social media.

The historic achievement of the Atlas Lions was celebrated with joyful demonstrations in many cities in Spain, where more than 1 million Moroccans live.

The defeat of Spain, which has taken various parts of Morocco under colonial rule in North Africa since the 15th century, revealed the historical and political dimension of the victory in football to the public eye.

- National values of Moroccan players after Portugal victory

In the quarterfinals, Morocco defeated Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal 1-0 with the goal of Youssef En-Nesyri and qualified for the semifinals.

After the victory, Moroccan Sofiane Boufal's celebration dance on the field with her mother was widely discussed on social media.

By saying, "The joy of mothers means the world," Boufal emphasized the importance of family in the country's culture.

Despite knowing English, French and Spanish, Moroccan goalie Yassine Bono choose to give an Arabic interview at the press conference.

Bono's move was interpreted as supporting efforts to erase the traces of colonialism and supporting national culture.

Morocco's elimination of Portugal, which has a colonial past in North Africa, like Spain, is regarded as historically significant.

The Atlas Lions' prostration of gratitude after the goal and victory, as well as the opening of the Palestinian flag, attracted great attention.

- Semifinal against reigning champions France

With the upcoming semifinal game against France, the reigning World Cup champions and another country with a colonial past, Morocco aims to be the opponent of Argentina in the final.

The Paris administration, which took Morocco under colonial rule in 1912-1956, has a colonial history with the countries in the North African region.

Last year, France imposed visa restrictions on Algerian, Tunisian and Moroccan citizens, which again led to tensions in relations with these countries.

- Moroccan clubs became symbol of the struggle against French colonization

In the 1930s, when Moroccan national movements began to emerge, football played an active role in preserving the country's national and cultural identity.

The national clubs founded by Moroccans in the 1930s became symbols during the struggle for independence against the clubs founded by the French.

Emphasizing the national identity of Morocco, these teams were raising their voices against the French activity in the country, with every success they achieved and the anti-colonial slogans they chanted.

*Writing by Selcuk Bugra Gokalp