People had packed into bars decked out within the pink and yellow Spanish flag to observe the workforce, nevertheless it was once Morocco supporters who owned the evening as their aspect beat Spain 3–0 on consequences and booked their tickets to the quarter-finals.
Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, who was once born in Madrid, netted the decisive spot kick within the shootout.
Spain and Morocco have a protracted historical past of contention and mutual cultural influences courting again to the Muslim conquest of Iberia within the 8th century and the Spanish Reconquista that adopted, with rocky diplomatic members of the family prior to now a long time, continuously disappointed through migration problems.
Spain enthusiasts have been dejected to peer their workforce crash out of the event.
“We go back to Spain crying and we will have to reflect,” mentioned Julia Calvet, 21, in a Barcelona bar.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was once fast with a comfort message, tweeting: “You have thrilled us and made us proud.”
🇲🇦 ♥️Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar celebrates Morocco defeating Spain on consequences.… https://t.co/DqDONvTRiG
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) 1670361314000
The Spanish Royal Family tweeted “Nothing ends here…Let’s keep moving forward, keep competing and keep fighting.”
Some enthusiasts have been philosophical concerning the defeat, which got here after Spain had ruled ownership however didn’t crack the tight Moroccan defence.
“They have not disappointed me, because they have played very well, but I’m a bit sad. Against Morocco, a team that is not very strong, we could have won…they have played defending all the time,” mentioned Rafael Gomez, 27, who was once looking at the event in a Barcelona bar wrapped in a Spanish flag.
Moroccan Football enthusiasts elevate the Palestine flag in central London whilst celebrating the historical victory in their natio… https://t.co/jwnBRf4wwr
— PALESTINE ONLINE 🇵🇸 (@OnlinePalEng) 1670363034000
But it was once an excessively other evening for Spain’s Moroccan inhabitants – the most important international neighborhood making up 16% of all international citizens in step with authentic knowledge.
In Barcelona, Morocco enthusiasts packed into the central Raval group to rejoice, lights flares and making a song.
“We needed to win so that Moroccans have confidence in themselves in Spain,” Anass, a 22-year-old Moroccan prepare dinner advised Reuters in downtown Barcelona. “And we hope to go to the final!”
Morocco enthusiasts celebrating in Barcelona after their victory in opposition to Spain https://t.co/lppb7gAI9A
— Samer Hamawi (@Samerskills) 1670352297000
People took to the streets in Melilla, Spain’s north African enclave that borders Morocco, cheering, dancing and honking their horns in party, nationwide broadcaster TVE confirmed.
Spain’s police power had deployed further officials in case of post-match disturbances however maximum celebrations have been non violent.
Spain retained the enclaves of Melilla and Ceuta, which have been in the past colonial territories, after Morocco won independence in 1956.