WATCH: Morocco receive heroic welcome in Rabat after making World Cup history
- Morocco finished fourth after losing to Croatia
- They beat Belgium, Spain and Portugal
- They landed to a heroic welcome in Rabat
WHAT HAPPENED? The Atlas Lions were the surprise package in the global competition after becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals in the Gulf nation.
However, Morocco's fairytale run was ended by France after losing 2-0 in the last fixture at Al Bayt Stadium. They came up against Croatia for the third-place playoff fixture but lost 2-1.
The North Africans returned home on Tuesday to a heroic welcome from tens of thousands of Moroccans, who thronged the capital to receive them. The team under manager Walid Regragui was later hosted to a luncheon by King Mohammed VI.
IN VIDEOS:
The Atlas Lions received an unforgettable homecoming on an open bus parade cheered on by fans in Rabat. Amazing to witness this part of history. Just crazy #FIFAWorldCup #AtlasLions #dimmaghrib #rabat #Morocco pic.twitter.com/J4tpScHLgg
— Ahmed Larouz (@larouz) December 21, 2022
This view of Morocco open team bus parade in Rabat 🔥 pic.twitter.com/fPAB2qP5Os
— FT90Extra ⚽ (@FT90Extra) December 20, 2022
Morocco’s national team, ranked 4th in #Qatar2022 !! Open bus Parade in the Capital of Morocco, Rabat today.#FIFAWorldCup @FIFAcom @CAF_Online pic.twitter.com/zu67jAGQwd
— Chaymae Khebouiz 🇲🇦 (@CKhebouiz) December 20, 2022
IN PICTURES:
The Atlas Lions of Morocco 🇲🇦 on an open bus parade cheered on by fans in Rabat after a heroic and historic fourth place finish at the World Cup in Qatar. pic.twitter.com/81oUU1TsNP
— Usher Komugisha (@UsherKomugisha) December 20, 2022
Amazing parade by Morocco. pic.twitter.com/Y9mRnI6IZB
— kyei yaw baffour (@kyeiyawbaffour) December 21, 2022
Beautiful scenes in the bus parade welcoming the Morocco 🇲🇦 team in the capital, Rabat marking their historic run at the World Cup. pic.twitter.com/Q0dovuj479
— Mimi Fawaz (@MimosaFawaz) December 20, 2022
THE BIGGER PICTURE: The parade in Rabat has sparked debate on social media with other fans claiming it was much better than Argentia's trophy parade.
"Morocco heroes welcome looks far much better than Argentina's trophy parade. But I know you are not ready for this issue. So I will leave it for today," said Junior Levy Driver, and his sentiments were echoed by Onwuka Onyedikachi Ogubunka, who said: "More glorious than Argentina own that look like a local carnival."
Obong M E Essien said: "Wow Wow wow!!! This is real love indeed. Africa is rising to the top. Well done Morocco," while Am-omubo Victor Godwin opined: "Next World Cup to come Africa will be on top."
WHAT NEXT FOR MOROCCO? The Atlas Lions, who finished their group stage matches without losing a match and went on to defeat Spain and Portugal, will shift their focus to the African Nations Championships set to be held in Algeria in January.