Morocco's 1-0 upset of Portugal in the World Cup on Saturday made history as they became the first African nation to ever reach the semifinals. Congratulations came from all corners of the world after the Atlas Lions knocked Cristiano Ronaldo's side out of the tournament.
Twitter owner and CEO Elon Musk — certainly happy for all the engagements and interactions that the team is generating on his social platform — sent some love.
Congrats Morocco!!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 10, 2022
Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba, a two-time African Footballer of the Year, said, "They did it!!!! Well done Morocco for this feat. Long live Africa."
Ça y est, ils l’ont fait !!!!bravo le Maroc @FRMFOFFICIEL pour cet exploit
Vive l’Afrique @WalidRegraguiof frère suis trop content pour toi ♥️— Didier Drogba (@didierdrogba) December 10, 2022
Shakira is also clearly a fan of Walid Regragui's side.
This time for Africa!! #WorldCup
— Shakira (@shakira) December 10, 2022
As is the great Mesut Özil.
Proud What a team! ❤️ What an achievement for the African continent & the Muslim world Great to see such a fairytale is still possible in modern football - this will give so many people so much power & hope ❤️❤️⚽ #Morocco #WorldCup #Qatar2022
— Mesut Özil (@M10) December 10, 2022
One guy who was less thrilled was Portugal's Pepe. He thought having a largely Argentinian officiating crew was a ploy to knock Portugal out and make things easier for Argentina (although they're on the other side of the bracket). It's a little far-fetched.
Morocco's Jawad El Yamiq kissed Pepe on the head after missing his chance for a late equalizer pic.twitter.com/smcaVIUO9w
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 10, 2022
I don't think Pepe's quote will make it back to Morocco. They clearly won't be listening in Casablanca.
Morocco fans in Casablanca absolutely lost it after clinching a spot in the semifinals #WorldCupWatchParty
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 10, 2022
Things are getting WILD in Morocco #WorldCupWatchParty
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 10, 2022
As the first team outside of Europe/South America to reach the semifinals since South Korea in 2002, Morocco is now the neutral's favorite in Qatar.
This might be the most adorable video of the entire tournament
Bono celebrates on the field with his son after Morocco's Quarterfinal win ❤️ pic.twitter.com/FJJskCUwDt— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 10, 2022
Morocco's Sofiane Boufal celebrating with his mother is EVERYTHING.
— Ahmed Ali (@MrAhmednurAli) December 10, 2022
Next up is France on Wednesday with a trip to the World Cup final on the line. The battle between Achraf Hakimi and Kylian Mbappé (teammates at PSG) should be fun. Morocco's defense can clearly hold its own against anyone, and the Atlas Lions can also hurt a France team that's conceded a goal in every game.