With what he believes to be an entire continent behind his team, Morocco manager Walid Regragui called on his players to create yet more history against Portugal today.
The North Africans etched their names in the record books on Tuesday, when they defeated Spain on penalties in Qatar to became the first Arab country to reach a World Cup quarter-final.
In doing so, Morocco now sit alongside Cameroon, Senegal and Ghana as the only African nations to go that deep at a global finals.
However, where their trio of predecessors failed - in 1990, 2002 and 2010, respectively - Morocco’s class of 2022 are determined to stand alone as the only African side to reach the tournament’s semi-finals.
They meet Portugal today at what will surely be a partisan support in their favour at Al Thumama Stadium.
Morocco made the knockouts stages for the first time in 36 years by finishing top of a group that contained Belgium, Croatia and Canada. They defeated Belgium, the world No 2-ranked side, and Canada, and drew with 2018 runners-up Croatia.
In the last 16, Morocco triumphed against Spain in the shoot-out to remain unbeaten. They also boast the best defensive record in the tournament, having conceded once in four matches.
Morocco’s run has led to celebrations not only in Doha and back home, but all around the world, especially in countries where the Morocco diaspora live.
Morocco, though, go into the encounter with Portugal sweating on a lot of potential key absentees. Against Spain, centre-back Nayef Aguerd was taken off injured and will be assessed ahead of Portugal, while captain Romain Saiss and midfield lynchpin Sofyan Amrabat are also carrying knocks.
Meanwhile, Portugal manager Fernando Santos said he has been impressed with Morocco to this point, but backed his players to cope with the pressure of contesting a World Cup quarter-final.
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