AL RAYYAN, Qatar — Morocco's players stood at attention for the country's national anthem before Tuesday's World Cup knockout game against Spain, although more than a few seemed to struggle with the lyrics.
It wasn't an act of protest, it's just that the anthem wasn't entirely theirs because eight of Morocco's 11 starters were born somewhere other than Morocco. But they will have another four days to learn the song after upsetting Spain on penalty kicks following 120 scoreless minutes, becoming the first African team since 2010 to reach the World Cup quarterfinals.
"When you're in the thick of it, you really can't realize what you just achieved," goalkeeper Yassine Bounou said. "We have to stay focused. Maybe in time we will realize what we achieved."
