Explosion of joy at the Cultural Center of Montreal: in a historic victory, Morocco qualified for the semi-finals of the Soccer World Cup by winning its match against Portugal. A first for an African country.
Hundreds of people wearing the colors of Morocco gathered at the Moroccan Cultural Center in downtown Montreal on Saturday morning to watch this historic match live. Leading from 42e minute, Morocco won 1-0 in a close contest between the two teams.
In the few crowded rooms, in front of giant screens, supporters of the red-white-green shouted and lamented as their team moved, broadcast on several giant screens. Women, men, young people, children, the elderly: the historic event brought people together.
A first goal, early in the game, was greeted with cheers and dancing. A few minutes from the end of the match, Morocco was still leading by one goal. The anticipation was at its height.
“I have no words, I’m moved, really moved,” said Latifa Menaouar, standing on a chair, a few minutes from her team’s victory. At his side, Khadija Rouzip, who wears a gandoura (traditional Moroccan dress) in the colors of the Atlas Lions, added: “History is now marked by Morocco! »
After the cries of joy, Moroccan music and dancing filled the Moroccan Cultural Center of Montreal.
“It’s a new wave of self-confidence, it’s the universality of Morocco on the world”, confided with emotion Yousseg Haimeur, a little further.
The spectators came from Morocco, of course, and from many other countries such as Lebanon, Algeria and Pakistan. “It’s historic, we are proud of our country! “said Amine Allab. “If we win, it will be the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup. And the first Arab country! »
“I’m not Moroccan, I’m Lebanese,” added his friend, Diaa Alyoussef, but I’m super happy today. »