Fans: The joy of winning against Spain is indescribable. Our players are heroes

From the Emirates.. an “Arab” mass epic in love with Morocco

• Photography: Ahmed Arditi.

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The Moroccan and Arab community in the country celebrated the historic victory of the “Atlas Lions” over the Spain national team, by penalty kicks, 3-0 (the original and extra time, zero-zero) in the round of 16 of the World Cup Qatar 2022, amid the high ceiling of ambitions to overcome the “Matador” complex, and continue the adventure in world Cup.

Fans flocked to cafes and fan areas in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman and the northern regions to watch the match. Thousands of Moroccan supporters and Arab fans supported the champions against Spain.

The "Pod x FIFA" fan festival area in "Dubai Harbor" and the fans' area in Dubai Media City were among the most prominent destinations that were crowded with thousands of Moroccan and Arab fans who watched the match on large screens.

Although the Morocco-Spain match started at the time of the employees’ working hours for some of the fans, this did not prevent them from taking the necessary measures to watch the match, especially making advance reservations in cafes, some of which had to buy additional seats to accommodate the large numbers that flocked to them. At least two hours before the match, the venues were buzzing with enthusiasm and applause with the interaction of the fans, who came with Moroccan flags and red and green shirts, as well as flags of other Arab countries in order to support the Moroccan national team to reach the quarter-finals.

The attendance was not only limited to Moroccan and Arab fans, but there were also numbers of Spanish fans who attended (families and groups), and it was remarkable that they showed a state of anxiety on their faces from the confrontation against Morocco, which continued in the first half after the players of their country were unable to reach the goal. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, with some dangerous attacks by the Lions at this time of the match, and also with the second half and the two extra times.

For his part, Thomas Shelter, General Manager of InterContinental Dubai Festival City Hotels, said: “Yesterday was one of the most enjoyable moments in which people shared their love of football. The secret of happiness in the UAE, and Dubai in particular, where the masses interact with all international events and provide services to football fans of all affiliations, to encourage their favorite teams and teams, and in the end, football is only an effective means in bringing people and peoples of different nationalities and cultures closer together. ».

After the match, the celebrations of the Moroccan and Arab fans began, which started from inside the cafes, as they celebrated by dancing to Moroccan songs.

Moroccan fans unanimously agreed on the indescribable joy brought about by the national team. Moroccan cheerleader Fatima Al-Zahraa said: “Our players had self-confidence and did not fear the Spanish national team, which is considered one of the strongest teams, but the Moroccan stars eliminated their danger.”

She added, "We were up to the challenge, and we were smart. It is true that the Spanish team was in control, but our chances were the most dangerous, and we were lucky in the penalty shootout."

Moroccan Osama Bahaj said: "The Moroccan team won at the level of the result and won at the level of fighting spirit. They deserve thanks for all they gave in the Spain match and in the World Cup in general."

Moroccan fan Fahd Hinnawi stressed that: "The Moroccan national team brought joy to the hearts of football fans, and showed an honorable face about the development of Arab football."

• The Moroccan national team brought joy to the hearts of its people and the Arab communities in the Emirates.

• Fans flocked to cafes and fan areas in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman and the northern regions.

To view an electronic supplement .. the World Cup teams,

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