Morocco Advances to World Cup Round of 16, Sole Arab Nation Remaining

Of the four teams (Qatar, the host country, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia) representing the Arab world at the World Cup, only the Atlas Lions are continuing the adventure. On Thursday, they beat the Canadians and advanced to the round of 16 to the delight of Arab supporters who came in large numbers to follow the match at the Al Thumama stadium in Doha or in the fan zones, the cafes in Morocco. An exploit achieved in 1986.

"This team can go all the way in this World Cup!" is convinced a young woman draped in a Moroccan flag, leaning out of a crowded car in Rabat. "We are in the Asian part (of the Arab region) and they are in the African part. But we speak one language," said Omani national Saeed Al Maskari, back in Doha, who promises to support Morocco from now on.

The Saudis also savored the qualification of the Atlas Lions. "They have proven on the pitch that they are lions... Honestly, as Saudis, we lost yesterday (Wednesday), but we made up for that defeat with Morocco’s victory," said Talal Ahmed Obeid, from a fan zone in Casablanca.

"It’s a celebration day not only for us, Moroccans, but also for all Arabs and for all Amazighs of North Africa," rejoiced Mohamed Tahiri, a lawyer celebrating in Rabat among the crowd waving flags and honking despite the rainy weather.