iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
Khan struck a sublime 103 from 84 deliveries that was generously peppered with nine boundaries and two sixes
KT APPDOWNLOAD
Fifa World Cup: Morocco press hails team as their dream ends just shy of final
The 'Lions of the Atlas' were the first Arab or African team ever to reach a semi-final in 92 years of football's top tournament
AP
Moroccan media hailed the national football team on Thursday as the country digested its defeat to France on the doorstep of the World Cup final, ending a history-making run.
"Morocco went out with honour and with their heads high," Lakome2 news website said.
The "Lions of the Atlas" were the first Arab or African team ever to reach a semi-final in 92 years of football's top tournament.
A string of victories, including over Belgium, Spain and Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, "allowed Arabs and Africans to hold their heads high", wrote sports outlet Al-Mountakhab.
"We can't fault the Lions of the Atlas, even if we had dreamed of reaching the final," it said.
Sports website Le360sport said the team's "epic" run had been hit by "physical glitches" in the back line – a reference to defender Romain Saiss's thigh injury early in the game and the withdrawal of centre-back Nayef Aguerd just moments before the start.
News site Le Desk noted that the team had missed "several opportunities to score".
But most of the coverage was gushing.
Even the habitually sober business journal L'Economiste sang the team's praises, saying they should be added to the "Pantheon of football".
Reaching the semi-final of a World Cup, "a first for an African team, is a starting point, not a destination", it said.
Social media was flooded with a mix of praise for the team and criticism of the referee.
"Our sadness at being defeated mustn't let us forget the joy we've experienced," one user wrote.
Another lauded the team for their "sacrifices" and fighting spirit. "Thank you for having restored faith and smiles to a people who desperately needed it."
US-based Middle East cultural magazine the Markaz Review said that "for the millions watching... it felt like the ultimate showdown."
But, it said, "players on both teams fought valiantly and treated each other to hugs and moral support, suggesting a sea change in international relationships between former colonies and their European nemeses.
ALSO READ:
More news from Sports
Discussions have taken place that could see Pakistan shifting their games to a neutral venue and Bangladesh has been proposed as venue due to its close proximity to India
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday recommended to sports federations and events organisers that Russian and Belarusian athletes return to competition "only" as individuals under a neutral flag
De Villiers made a return to Bengaluru to be a part of the 'RCB Unbox' event, where he was inducted into the franchise's Hall of Fame along with long-time teammate Chris Gayle
Mumbai Indians will start their IPL 2023 campaign against Royal Challengers Bangalore at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 2
Hemant Rao Valluri and Yug Jai Sharma shine for UAE
Friday's draw for the May 20-June 11 competition was scrapped by FIFA following protests over Israel's involvement in the 24-team event
The 16th edition also returns to its pre-Covid glory days, with 74 matches scheduled at 12 venues over eight weeks