Spanish fans wept on Tuesday after their elimination on penalties in the round of 16 of the World Cup as Moroccan fans took to the streets from Barcelona to Madrid and Melilla to celebrate the historic victory.
Spanish fans adorned the yellow and red flag as they watched the match, but it was Moroccan fans who took to the streets tonight after they won 3-0 on penalties to qualify the top Arab team for the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
Madrid-born Achraf Hakimi scored the winning penalty for Morocco.
Spain and Morocco have a long history of competition and there has been a common cultural influence for centuries and unstable diplomatic relations in recent decades, often due to immigration issues.
Spanish fans were shocked to see their team’s early exit from the Qatar finals.
Julia Calvet, 21, said: We are returning crying to Spain and there must be a reaction.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was quick to tweet condolences, telling the team, “You have made us happy and proud.”
The Spanish royal family also said on Twitter: “Nothing is finished, we keep moving forward, competing and fighting.”
Some fans were philosophical about the defeat, which came after full possession, but Morocco’s defense was solid.
Rafael Gomez (27), who attended the match under the Spanish flag, said: “They didn’t disappoint me because they played very well, but I’m a little sad. Morocco aren’t a very strong team and we could have won “. , they defended all the time.
The evening was completely different for Moroccans in Spain, who are the largest foreign community and make up 16% of all foreign residents in the European country, according to official figures.
In Barcelona, Morocco fans gathered in the Raval neighborhood to celebrate, light fireworks and cheer enthusiastically.
Anas (22), a Moroccan chef, said from the heart of Barcelona: We needed a victory for the Moroccans to feel confident in Spain, and we hope to reach the final.
Fans gathered in Melilla, on the border between the two countries, with cheers and dancing in celebration, according to television footage.
Spanish police sent additional forces to deal with any disturbances after the game, but most of the celebrations were peaceful.
