FIFA World Cup in Qatar 2022: the supporters’ match

“Dirou Niya” (Have faith), the famous phrase of Walid Regragui (the coach), has become the credo of Moroccans for this World Cup. Law of attraction or real faith? Never has a Cup lasted so long for the Atlas Lions. Their best performance remains a qualification in the round of 16… in 1986. This year, a new coach and above all a more than motivated public. 2-0 against Belgium? It must be celebrate. Qualification in the round of 16? We celebrate that too. Quarter-finals? Rebelote. Regragui’s men can…

“Dirou Niya” (Have faith), the famous phrase of Walid Regragui (the coach), has become the credo of Moroccans for this World Cup. Law of attraction or real faith? Never has a Cup lasted so long for the Atlas Lions. Their best performance remains a qualification in the round of 16… in 1986. This year, a new coach and above all a more than motivated public. 2-0 against Belgium? It must be celebrate. Qualification in the round of 16? We celebrate that too. Quarter-finals? Rebelote. Regragui’s men can count on unwavering support from their supporters. Those who follow the matches will recognize the mythical “Sir Sir Sir” (Go ahead) chanted in the stands. In Qatar, Morocco, and everywhere else, Moroccans are proud and show it. “I don’t like football very much, but here I am watching. The virus has taken everyone. It is a pride. If we win against Portugal, I invite everyone to gather at the port to celebrate with dignity,” smiles Abdelouahed Tatou, secretary general of the Charente-Maritime Islamic Worship Association.

This Saturday, December 10, time will stand still both in Morocco and in France. “The day will revolve around the match, we organize ourselves with Moroccan students to watch it together in one of the bars of the Old Port. Even if we lose, we will celebrate the team that made us experience all these incredible things,” applauds Ibrahim, a student at La Rochelle. If Morocco passes, it could find itself facing France. A meeting expected by many supporters. ” The historical and political context will add another dimension to this game,” said Ibrahim.

2 Portugal in force

Will Cristiano lead his team to the semi-finals? For the Magalhaes family, certainly. Here, football is a family affair. Even if in normal times, opinions are divided, the World Cup puts everyone in agreement. “The World Cup is something else,” says mother Isaura. Still need to get rid of a Morocco, which is doing quite well. “It may be tight and a bit complicated. They are very good in defense, but we will still win, ”puts David, the son, into perspective. Program for Saturday 10 September: watch the match as a group at the “Portuguese room” of the Portuguese Association in La Rochelle. “I think there will be more people, more excitement because these are the final stages,” says Father José Antonio. When we ask them if they see each other in the final? “We’re not going to look out for each other,” says David. “But if we get there, we will definitely celebrate. Some will even travel to Portugal to watch the match. Verdict this Saturday, December 10.

3 A second haircut at home?

So far, French supporters have kept a low profile. Boycott or habit of former champions? Supporters of the Blues have chosen sobriety. In any case, the competition looks good. If we do not count the defeat against Tunisia in the group stage (1-0), the Blues can rejoice in a “clean sheet”. Now, we will have to get rid of the English to go to the semi-finals. The supporters, they seem rather serene. We are already starting to think big: a second coronation. “I’m sure we’ll win it. It is not for nothing that we say luck to Deschamps. He has a thing, “optimizes Yoann Croizer, fervent supporter and coach of the star Maritime FC.

Since the start of the World Cup, the club has launched a fan zone where all the matches of the France team are broadcast. Two rooms, one outside and one inside, a refreshment bar, two large screens, jerseys, flags, balls… everything is done to create a stadium atmosphere. This Saturday, December 10 will be no exception to the rule. “There will definitely be a lot of people. There, it is launched, ”comments Yoann.

4 SoBritish

“I am English by birth but French by adoption”. Decidedly, the myth that the English are always polite may be true. Roger Salmon, from the Aulnay Walking Football Club, comes from England. However, when asked which team he will support this Saturday, December 10, he remains nuanced. “May the best team win,” he smiles. “I have lived a good part of my life in France. I will support both teams. Whoever wins, I’ll be happy. The important thing for me is the game.” But it was only a matter of time. When we pull the worms out of his nose, he ends up admitting, all smiles: “I am 52% for England and 48% for France. »

No chance. The Englishman may not be able to follow the match on Saturday with his team, because of the Covid. “If my test is not negative, I will watch it alone in my room,” he laughs.