Before playing Portugal, Morocco's manager Walid Regragui said they had the backing of an entire African continent. The team responded to that support by becoming the first African team to reach the FIFA World Cup semifinals.
Though Morocco will face the reigning champions France later, there is no reason to stop believing in themselves because "The Atlas Lions" proved that anything is possible in football.
If there is one connection that is so tight and tragic in football, the relationship between England and penalty shooting must be it. Harry Kane made the first penalty against France to give the "Three Lions" hope, but then wiped it by missing the second shot.
France are now only two wins away from becoming the second team in history to defend the World Cup championship after Brazil did so in 1958 and 1962.
Youssef En-Nesyri (C) of Morocco celebrates after scoring a goal in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals against Portugal at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, December 10, 2022. /CFP
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal looks on after the 1-0 loss in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals against Morocco at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, December 10, 2022. /CFP
Harry Kane of England looks on in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals against France at Al Bayt Stadium in Qatar, December 10, 2022. /CFP
Aurelien Tchouameni (R) of France shoots to score in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals against England at Al Bayt Stadium in Qatar, December 10, 2022. /CFP
Host: Li Xiang
Guest: Josh McNally
Cover designer: Feng Yuan
Chief editor: Chen Ran
Supervisor: Zhang Shilei