A vibrant atmosphere took over streets in Rabat today, as football enthusiasts rallied behind their favorite Lions who will play against a series of football giants in the days to come.
Moroccan supporters watched their national team as Group F’s World Cup kicked off to the cheers of a lively crowd.
Coffee shops’ floors rumbled as the Moroccan players walked out of the tunnel towards the pitch, and the crowd held their breath as the match was about to begin.
Tensions were high in the atmosphere as the national anthem gathered the voices to resonate across the streets of Rabat.
Hespress EN reports the events in Rabat where extra shots of coffee were served for many spectators, as 27-year-old Issam who came with his friends from Casablanca explains “there is a lot of fear, but what hurts the most is conceding at the last minute, I hope we don’t.”
The Croatian side put pressure in the early first 5 minutes, but soon after the national team held its ground and started creating chances, mainly coming from midfield interceptions.
The cheers intensified the moment Luka Modric committed a foul on Achraf Hakimi, which saw Croatia conceded a free kick that was taken by Hakim Ziyech.
Walid, who is 14 years old, and came with his family had this to say “Ziyech is so good he can score against anyone.” Stated to Hespress EN.
The first half ended in dramatic fashion as Croatia’s captain Luka Modric shot past the goalkeeper and over the bar ending the first half 0 – 0.
“It was such a nerve-racking experience in the first half, we created chances but we can’t expect a win if we don’t score early in the second half” shared Fatine from Rabat.
The second half started and Moroccans of all ages and of different backgrounds gathered back uniting their cheers and shouts of “seeerr”, ‘go’ in Moroccan Darija, at every Moroccan opportunity.
Asmae from Kenitra told Hespress EN “we put up a good fight, drawing this won’t be the end for us.” Believing that Morocco’s team have ‘given their all’ against the 2018 World Cup runner-ups.
As the game hit the 90th-minute mark, and with 6 minutes of extra time added, the Atlas lions were cheered heavily by the spectators.
As the match ended, applause for the National team reigned over the final whistle, Amine from Rabat had this to say “it’s a good result, we came close so many times to scoring, but we have to keep our heads up after such a promising performance.”
Abdessamad, 34 years old, had a different opinion “it was a bad performance, having star names such as Ziyech or Hakimi, it’s obvious to expect high pressure on them, and players of the midfield like Ounahi just failed to appear or make a difference.”
The game ended in a 0 – 0 draw which sees both Morocco and Croatia share the points, leaving all to be played for in the next two group-stage games.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.