The injury-hit North Africans hung on for a 1-0 victory at Al Thumama Stadium because of Youssef En-Nesyri’s headed function past due within the first part and can now face protecting champions France within the semis. France beat England 2-1 within the fourth quarterfinal on Saturday.
The win over Portugal got here after knocking out Spain within the ultimate 16 on consequences and beating the sector’s second-ranked staff Belgium within the staff level.
“When you watch Rocky, you want to support Rocky Balboa because of his hard work and commitment and I think we’re the Rocky Balboa of this World Cup,” Regragui advised newshounds.
“We’re becoming the team that everyone loves at this World Cup, because we’re showing that even if you don’t have as much talent, if you show that desire, heart and belief, you can achieve.
“I’m certain a lot of you’re going to say this can be a miracle, however we now have gained with out conceding in opposition to Belgium, Spain, Portugal and that’s the reason the results of exhausting paintings.”
Morocco will take on holders France on Wednesday at the Al Bayt Stadium with the chance to become the first nation from outside Europe or South America to reach the final.
There was no stopping that from Youssef En-Nesyri 💥#LetItFly with @qatarairways https://t.co/JhR5iUOsPt
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“We can dream. Why mustn’t we dream about profitable the World Cup?” added Regragui, who only took over as coach in August.
“It does not price you the rest to have desires. European nations had been used to profitable the World Cup…
“We’ve played some really top sides, but so far we haven’t achieved anything.
“Anyone who performs us now should be on the best in their sport to overcome us, it would possibly not be simple for them, that is the message I’m looking to ship out.”
Morocco had already surpassed expectations by becoming only the fourth African country and first Arab nation to reach the quarterfinals.
🤩 Moroccan history and the champions triumph again!Another thrilling day completed the Semi-final line-up.… https://t.co/V8qNrV8SPj
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But they managed to go one step further than Cameroon in 1990, Senegal’s 2002 side and the Ghana team of 2010.
“We got here up in opposition to a in point of fact nice Portugal staff. We’re drawing on all we now have, we nonetheless have guys injured. We have a mindset,” Regragui told France’s TF1.
“I advised the fellows sooner than the fit we needed to write historical past for Africa. I’m very, more than happy.”
Regragui, a France-born former Morocco international, had already made history of his own as the first African coach to take a team into the World Cup quarter-finals.
Morocco were without injured defenders Noussair Mazraoui and Nayef Aguerd on Saturday, while captain Romain Saiss was stretchered off early in the second half.
“We’re very proud since the gamers who did are available in did an incredible activity,” said Regragui. “We’re a 26-man squad and to get a ways on this event we will want they all.”
Morocco still has the best defensive record in the World Cup. The only time they have conceded in five matches was an own goal against Canada.
“It’s loopy. We’re residing a dream and we do not wish to get up. I’ve goosebumps,” said winger Sofiane Boufal. “Everything we now have, we deserve. We paintings exhausting. It’s no longer over. There’s nonetheless the semifinal and god prepared, the general.”