“DIMA MAGHREB" “DIMA MAGHREB"

“DIMA MAGHREB”

THE RISE OF MOROCANN FOOTBALL

“Dima Maghreb” “Dima Maghreb” this Arabic phase became a huge chant for Moroccan nation team during 2022 football world cup in Qatar as Morocco became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals of the biggest stage becoming the history makers the likes of which no Arab or African titans have achieved before.

History

Writing heroic tales is no strange for Atlas lions’ year 1970 they introduced themselves to the world stage of football becoming the first African nation to contest at prestigious stage. In year 1986 they defeated the European powerhouse Portugal string through to knockout yet again recreating the tapestry of time this time becoming first African nation to play the round of 16.

World Cup Journey

During 1986-2022 Morocco played in 3 world cups and their biggest glory is yet to be achieved on the world stage the 2022 world cup campaign started officially as a draw for Arab side against former finalist of the world cup Croatia but the very next match Walid Regragui side stunned the world when they crushed favorites Belgium out of sight it was a pure joy and history for the fans at the stadium that paved a way for Moroccan lion to play yet another knocks out stage and so they did by beating Canada booking themselves further at the tournament which has been nothing but excitement and roller coaster.

Morocco drew swords against the 2010 world cup champions Spain in elimination round with the 4-3-3 defensive formation which allowed vast majority of possession to the opposition but had forged a solid defensive fortress Walid Regragui planned had been executed perfectly by atlas lions expertly held it to the end a goalless draw at the end of 120-minute thriller only to beat them 3-0 on nerve wreaking penalties glimpsed all over as they pen down yet another monumental spark.

Their faith grew stronger their hopes fly high their fans hold their breath as they are living a timeless escape in the beautiful world of football they march firm towards their first ever quarterfinal quest. Their fairy tale continued next on their radar is former European champions Portugal and they must overcome Fernando Santos side with all the young talent that they have.

Morocco saw a glimpse of hope to inch their way to the first ever semi-final quest when they Portuguese legendry slipper Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench in one of the most crucial stages of the game. In Portugal previous game they showed no mercy to Switzerland and hammered the side 6-1 unlike Morocco who played a defensive football all tournament. The game started casually only for Moroccan striker En-Nesyri flying header saw Arabs take the lead at the 43nd minute that had made them one foot closer to write yet another history. After the break the 51st minute introduction of Cristiano Ronaldo gave Portugal a ray of hope but that didn’t prove beneficial as the Moroccan held a brave backline chance after chance saw mounting pressure at the Moroccan defense and 83rd minute fingertip save by Yassin saw Portuguese world cup dream vanish and so it did upon the final whistle roars and tears and joy for Morocco as they triumph to their first ever semi final as the love affair continues

As, for Ronaldo he stood, a solitary figure, with the weight of the world on his shoulders and walked away with tears in his eyes time stood still, and the world witnessed a vulnerable side of the indomitable athlete Ronaldo's tears became a symbol of shared humanity, an eternal testament to the impact that a single man's passion and dedication can have on the hearts of millions." It was a poignant reminder that even heroes have their moments of fragility.

Meanwhile Morocco celebrated all night long flooded to the streets of Rabat with flags wrapped around their body and loud and proud chant of Dima-Maghreb under the night sky.

Then Morocco and France stood face to face, during the semi-finals of the world cup warriors in their own right, each determined to claim victory and secure a place in football immortality it also had political rivalry and history to it as Morocco previously been a colony of France.

Morocco begins as an underdog and France as world cup favorites game started with les blues dominance with Theo Hernandez hitting the opener for the blues sent an early blow for Morocco though did get back during the second half with much of ball at their feet but couldn’t capitalized it as deep into the game Kolo Muani secured a spot for former champions yet again to contest for the biggest prize for the Sunday final. Morocco journey ended on a high note with their heads held high as they clinch a reputation that no Arab or African nation has done before in history Walid Regragui boy’s name have been engraved in royalty.

Morocco journey ended on 15-December-2022 filled with passion, longing, and destiny, as the protagonists embarked on a journey that transcended time itself. Morocco reached the hall of fame with one the greatest of all time ever to grace the beautiful game of football.

"Morocco, a force that defied limits, painted the tournament with their artistry and passion, leaving a trail of admiration in their wake"