Today (Wednesday) two teams will advance to the semi-finals of the World Cup at El Beit Stadium, but in terms of the atmosphere there will only be one: Morocco.
The sympathy surrounding the Moroccans, who are reaching the stage for the first time in their history (in the past they never made it past the quarter-finals), was blown out of all proportion here.
These are no longer just their fans, who came with them from home, nor even the entire Arab and Muslim world that united around them.
Their red army was also joined by all the fans of the underprivileged, fans of the sensations, and of course everyone who wants France not to reach the final - especially if he is an Argentina fan.
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This is of course reflected in the ticket prices: a "cheap" ticket in the stands costs about 1,500 euros.
A better and more central card can even reach double the price.
The demand is at its peak, and all 65,000 seats (plus or minus, because in every game the number changes and the stadium grows surprisingly) are expected to be full and encourage only Morocco, who doubtless even in Casablanca gets such a home atmosphere.
Amarbat.
Want to lift a trophy, photo: Getty Images
Of course, the Moroccans did their part by actually surprisingly reaching the semi-finals, but they want more.
After deposing Belgium, Spain and Portugal - all countries that at one time or another enslaved parts of Africa - they dream tonight of doing the same to the greatest enslaver in the history of the continent, France.
Logistic operation
The reigning world champion obviously does not intend to cooperate with this;
It will be at a crazy disadvantage in the stands, but on the field it has a clear advantage, and its players want to make history and become the first team to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 (and only the third to do so; Italy won in 1934 and 1938) .
The Moroccan fans are waiting to make history, photo: AP
The organizers of the tournament already went out yesterday calling on the audience to arrive early for the game.
Al Beit Stadium is the furthest from Doha.
The most popular way to get there is by subway to Losail Stadium, and from there by shuttles that leave constantly.
The Qataris purchased thousands of buses for this logistical operation, but in the quarter-final between England and France, they messed up a bit when the roads were in huge traffic jams, and thousands arrived very late.
It is likely that the fans will arrive early tonight, also to participate in the crazy celebration that is expected in the stands.
With the exception of Argentina, there is no team that has won such great sympathy here, and in the case of "La Albiceleste" it is mainly Leo Messi, the most loved man in Qatar (and the emir forgave me).
The Moroccans and the tens of thousands around them intend to do everything to continue their dream one more step, and arrive on Sunday as participants, and not as spectators, on the biggest stage of all.
Winner ratio for a France win 1.50, a draw 3.70 and a Morocco win 6.60
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