Algerian Star Mahrez Hails Morocco’s Historic World Cup Quarter-Final Run

The historic feat of the Atlas Lions continues to arouse the admiration of football enthusiasts. Riyad Mahrez adds to the list of those who salute the good performances achieved by the Moroccan team in Qatar. It is the fourth African team to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup after Cameroon, Senegal and Ghana, and the first Arab team to achieve such a qualification. Ranked in the difficult Group F, the protégés of Walid Regragui have resisted Croatia (finalist in 2018), beaten Belgium, Canada which has returned to the World Cup 36 years later and dominated Spain (champion in 2010) in the penalty shootout (0-0, p.s.o. 3-0).

The captain of the Fennecs, whose mother is of Moroccan origin, expressed his admiration for the Atlas Lions. "It’s very good to see this team performing well on the biggest stages like the World Cup. [...] I’m really proud and really happy," he said on the The National website after a quick training session with his club Manchester City in Abu Dhabi.

After their qualification, the Atlas Lions will face Portugal in the quarter-finals this Saturday, December 10 at Al Thumama Stadium. They hope to qualify for the semi-finals.