Saturday May 10, 2025
HE
NEWSLETTER
www.israelhayom.com
  • Home
  • News
    • Gaza War
    • US Election Coverage
    • Middle East
    • Cyber & Internet
    • Business & Finance
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
  • In Memoriam
www.israelhayom.com
  • Home
  • News
    • Gaza War
    • US Election Coverage
    • Middle East
    • Cyber & Internet
    • Business & Finance
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
  • In Memoriam
www.israelhayom.com
Home Sports WORLD CUP 2022

France celebrates World Cup victory, fans cheer Morocco team

France beat Morocco 2-0 to reach the World Cup final against Argentina, in a historic match between the defending champion and Africa's first ever semifinalist.

by  AP and ILH Staff
Published on  12-15-2022 11:41
Last modified: 12-15-2022 11:41
France celebrates World Cup victory, fans cheer Morocco teamAP/Lewis Joly

France supporters celebrate France's victory with French flags at the Arc de Triomphe after the World Cup semifinal soccer match between France and Morocco, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022 in Paris | Photo: AP/Lewis Joly

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Crowds in Paris and other French cities erupted in shouts of joy as France advanced to the World Cup final Wednesday, while disappointed Morocco fans mingled with the exuberant supporters of the winning team, paying tribute to the African country's unprecedented achievement.

Football fans streamed to the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris, shooting off firecrackers and red flares, to an unending chorus of honking cars. On the famous avenue, many were brandishing French flags and singing "we are in the final." Some Moroccan fans, wrapped in the North African country's flag, also cheered their team in the streets of the French capital.

Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

France beat Morocco 2-0 to reach the World Cup final against Argentina, in a historic match between the defending champion and Africa's first ever semifinalist.

Supporters from both teams gathered in bars from the boulevards of Paris to the streets of Morocco's capital Rabat, from the cosmopolitan French Riviera city of Nice to the historic Moroccan city of Marrakech. Celebrating the victory near the Bastille square, in central Paris, Adrien Vignau, a 22-year-old Parisian, praised a "great victory for France" and said he was looking forward to the final against Argentina and its star player, Lionel Messi.

"Bravo to Moroccans," said Parisian Corentin Voiseux. "Tonight it's not only France that wins but all of the French-speaking people. ... We are together and Moroccans will be with us at the final," he added. In central Madrid, fans celebrated on Sol Square after the match, some with red Moroccan flags draped on their shoulders, jumping up and down, and some wearing the French tricolor.

In Belgium, scuffles briefly broke out in Brussels after the game and authorities countered with water cannon and teargas after they were targeted. One and a half hours later, a tense calm had returned. Media reports spoke of 40 detentions. There also was some unrest in northern Antwerp. In Paris, riot police vans lined the broad thoroughfare and the base of the imposing Arc de Triomphe, and white-helmeted officers roamed the crowd on the Champs-Elysees. Minor incidents briefly broke out, leading officers to occasionally use teargas to move the crowd away.

Despite their sadness, Moroccan fans expressed pride in their team, highlighting the history-making moment this game represented. A Rabat resident, Fatima Zahra Attaq said that she was "a bit sad, but this is football. ... After all, they gave their best and made us proud to reach this stage of the competition."

"The national team made us dream," said Reda Hakam, also working in Rabat. "The dream is now over. I am not sad. I am actually very proud." Kenza El Amrani said that "I think Moroccans should wipe the tears off their faces and cheer for this team." Those who attended the game in Qatar also paid tribute to the performance and fighting spirit of the African team.

"Morocco played with their hearts," said Ayaz Dhrolia, a fan from Canada whose face was painted in Morocco colors as he left Doha's Al Bayt Stadium. "They won the hearts of millions and millions of people around the world, well appreciated. Thanks, Morocco."

Youssra Zhhata, a Moroccan woman who was at the game, stressed that "they made it to the semifinals and that's an accomplishment. ... And we had Africans, Arabs, everyone supporting us."

Morocco was under French rule from 1912-56, giving the match political and emotional resonance for both nations. Morocco has exceeded all expectations in Qatar by beating second-ranked Belgium in the group stage and then eliminating European powerhouses Spain and Portugal in the knockout phase to reach the semifinals.

In Gaza, Palestinians who thronged cafes and outdoor large screens expressed disappointment at Morocco's loss. "All of Gaza is now sad for this result. We were hoping they would win," said Wael al-Riffi, a Gaza resident, as he held Morocco's flag. The Palestinians felt empathy from the Moroccan national team as players held the Palestinian flag several times at the World Cup.

Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!

Tags: FIFA WORLD CUP 2022IsraelWorld Cup

Related Posts

Qatar can't get enough of World Cup celebrationsAP / Hassan Ammar

Qatar can't get enough of World Cup celebrations

by Yoav Limor

The streets of Doha were just as packed with revelers as those in Buenos Aires. The final whistle of the...

Israel to close diplomatic office in Qatar with end of World CupReuters/Mariana Nedelcu

Israel to close diplomatic office in Qatar with end of World Cup

by i24NEWS and ILH Staff

Foreign Ministry praises conduct of 10,000 fans who traveled to the Gulf state as only 10 cases required special diplomatic...

After Messi Mania 2022, brace yourself for a 2026 royal messReuters /Albert Gea

After Messi Mania 2022, brace yourself for a 2026 royal mess

by Nadav Jakobi

Plans of a monster-sized tournament, a currently unknown match system, and three host nations – the US, Mexico and Canada...

Menu

Analysis 

Archaeology

Blogpost

Business & Finance

Culture

Exclusive

Explainer

Environment

 

Features

Health

In Brief

Jewish World

Judea and Samaria

Lifestyle

Cyber & Internet

Sports

 

Diplomacy 

Iran & The Gulf

Gaza Strip

Politics

Shopping

Terms of use

Privacy Policy

Submissions

Contact Us

About Us

The first issue of Israel Hayom appeared on July 30, 2007. Israel Hayom was founded on the belief that the Israeli public deserves better, more balanced and more accurate journalism. Journalism that speaks, not shouts. Journalism of a different kind. And free of charge.

All rights reserved to Israel Hayom

Hosted by sPD.co.il

  • Home
  • News
    • Gaza War
    • US Election Coverage
    • Middle East
    • Cyber & Internet
    • Business & Finance
    • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
    • Environment & Wildlife
    • Health & Wellness
  • In Memoriam
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Submit your opinion
  • Terms and conditions

All rights reserved to Israel Hayom

Hosted by sPD.co.il

Newsletter

[contact-form-7 id=”508379″ html_id=”isrh_form_Newsletter_en” title=”newsletter_subscribe”]

  • Home
  • News
    • Gaza War
    • US Election Coverage
    • Middle East
    • Cyber & Internet
    • Business & Finance
    • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
    • Environment & Wildlife
    • Health & Wellness
  • In Memoriam
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Submit your opinion
  • Terms and conditions

All rights reserved to Israel Hayom

Hosted by sPD.co.il