People celebrate the victory over Spain in the World Cup in Marrakesh Square (Dror Zamir)
Thousands of fans gathered this evening (Tuesday) in the city of Marrakesh to watch the match of the round of 16 of the World Cup of the local team Morocco, against the giant Spain, the former world champion.
The Spaniards, who came as clear favorites to win and advance to the quarter-finals, were stunned by their stubborn opponent, the first in the Arab world to make history and advance to the last 8.
The nerve-racking game was extended to 120 minutes, after which the penalty shootout took place.
As soon as the Moroccans stunned with two penalty kicks in the Spanish net compared to Spain's two misses, the local fans watching on the giant screens in Jemaa El Pena square started to smell the sensation.
Yes it is possible, it can happen.
As soon as right back Ashraf Hakimi kicked the last penalty in, there was not one among the crowd who did not roar and jump.
People hug each other, shout, dance, sing.
Great joy in Marrakesh.
Flares and smoke grenades filled the street, and the police also let loose and let them run amok, because they also know that today is a historic day in Morocco - for the first time an Arab team has advanced to the advanced stages.
Jemaa Square in Marrakesh, this evening (photo: Walla! system, Dror Zamir)
Jemaa Square in Marrakesh, this evening (photo: Walla! system, Dror Zamir)
As far as Spain is concerned, the game itself looks like a copy of the round of 16 in 2018, except that this time even an own goal is not blackmail from the opponent.
The same team that recorded the highest victory in this World Cup, and started its journey with a crushing 0:7 against Costa Rica, provided a boring display that included very few scoring situations, and as mentioned completely collapsed in penalties.
There was not one among the crowd who did not roar and jump.
Jemaa Square in Marrakesh, this evening (photo: Walla! system, Dror Zamir)
The Atlas Lions became the fourth African team in history to advance to the quarter-finals of the World Cup, after Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010.
In addition, Morocco is the first representative from Africa to win a penalty shootout at the World Cup.
In the next stage, she will meet the winner between Portugal and Switzerland.
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