Miraculous Morocco: Elation in Montreal as Moroccans shock Portugal 1-0 at World Cup

“We win, we win, we win!” says one Moroccan-Montrealer in the city’s Little Maghreb community, where people cheered, jumped and waved the Moroccan flag at the final whistle of a 1-0 victory over the Portuguese. Farah Mustapha reports.

By News Staff

Posted December 9, 2022 2:01 pm.

Last Updated December 10, 2022 7:36 pm.

The Moroccan dream continued at the World Cup Saturday with yet another shock victory – this time against Portugal.

And Montreal’s strong Moroccan community was right there with their Atlas Lions, celebrating the first African nation to reach the semifinal of the world’s biggest tournament.

MORE: Morocco reaches World Cup semifinals, tops Portugal, Ronaldo

In Montreal’s Little Maghreb community – at MALAK resto lounge on Boulevard Pie-IX – they cheered, jumped and waved the Moroccan flag at the final whistle of a 1-0 victory over the Portuguese.

“We deserve to win because we are the Lions of Atlas. They tried to eliminate us, but they didn’t and we won,” said one passionate Montrealer with her face painting in Moroccan green and red. “And we will go to the finals.”

It was tense for them in the dying moments, with Portugal pressing for the equalizer. But Morocco’s improbable run was not to be stopped.

“I’m feeling very, very happy,” said another fan. “It was a victorious match. I have no words to express my happiness.”

“I have never seen this before but it’s something crazy,” said another. “I’m very happy. All Moroccans are happy today… We know you did your best. We are proud of you.”

Montreal-born goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made three saves for yet another clean sheet – his fourth in the competition.

It came just a few days after they upset Spain in penalties in the round of 16.

“It’s an incredible feeling,” said a fan wearing a Moroccan jersey and flag. We have the best ‘keeper, Bono. What a game, honestly. We came to the semifinals. I’m proud of my country. I’m proud of what we’ve done. Belgium, Croatia, Spain, Portugal. It’s really incredible. It’s history.”

 

Fans jumped for joy when Youssef En-Nesyri jumped high and headed the ball into the back of the net in the 42nd minute.

It turned out to be the game’s only goal.

Morocco will now face France in the World Cup semifinal.

Moroccan Montrealers celebrate their side’s 42nd-minute goal to take a 1-0 lead over Portugal in the World Cup quarterfinal on Dec. 10, 2022. (Credit: OMNI News/Farah Mustapha)

Montrealers watch the Morocco-Portugal World Cup quarterfinal at MALAK lounge in Little Maghreb on Dec. 10, 2022. (Credit: OMNI News/Farah Mustapha)

Montrealers watch the Morocco-Portugal World Cup quarterfinal at MALAK lounge in Little Maghreb on Dec. 10, 2022. (Credit: OMNI News/Farah Mustapha)

There are about 37,000 people of Moroccan descent living in Montreal, according to Statistics Canada. Many of them live in Little Maghreb, where there are immigrants from Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia.

—With files from The Associated Press

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