The fairy tale journey Moroccan women’s team was on came to an end on Tuesday when it lost to a dominant France. But the Atlas Lionesses have no reason to drop their heads, as their run to reach the round of 16 in the FIFA women’s World Cup was nothing but historic. Morocco became the first Arab nation to play in the knockout stage and also fielded Noulhaila Benzina, who became the first hijab-wearing player to take part in the game.
The African Arab nation is riding a high tide of football. Less than a year ago, it became the first African, and Arab, nation to reach the semifinal of a FIFA men’s World Cup, where it overcame former champion Spain and fan favourite Portugal on its way, only to be stopped by, coincidentally, France. Now with the women’s team going through the group stage ahead of Germany, which thrashed it 6-0 in their opening game, it is fair to say the Moroccan spring of football has begun.
