World Cup Clash Divides Loyalties of Moroccan-Spaniards

Hakim, 48, a native of Nador, runs a hair salon in Madrid and on Tuesday he will hang the flags of Spain and Morocco on the roof of his establishment. He has lived in Lavapiés for 22 years and his heart is divided between the two countries that will play Tuesday’s match in the round of 16 of the World Cup in Qatar. "It’s a problem. Who to support between the two teams I have affection for? The important thing is that we enjoy it, but my heart beats for Morocco," he confides to 20minutos.

In his salon located in the heart of the capital, Hakim has set up a television to follow this match with his customers. "Morocco is the surprise team of this World Cup," he said, stressing that the match with Spain will be difficult. But he predicts a 2-1 score in favor of Morocco, "especially if Luis Enrique’s team plays as badly as in the second half against Japan".

In the café of the university located not far from Hakim’s salon, frequented by Moroccans, the customers present on Friday predict a 2-1 or even a 4-0 in favor of Morocco. Outside, Zacarías, 30, from Tangier, and Sami, 38, from Fez, would have preferred another opponent for Morocco in the round of 16. "If Morocco loses, we will support Spain," they said.

Rachid, from the Rif, runs the grocery store across from the University café. He supports Morocco, who have not reached the round of 16 since 1986. "Morocco is very strong this year," he said, predicting a 1-0 victory for Morocco, with a goal scored by Hakim Ziyech. According to him, the Atlas Lions have more experience than "Spain’s young players". The Moroccan community counts 80,000 people in Madrid, out of the 900,000 residing in Spain, mainly in the provinces of Barcelona (137,010), Murcia (89,914) or Almería (61,749).