DUBAI: Morocco’s 2-0 quarterfinal defeat by France ended another memorable FIFA World Cup campaign, but perhaps the biggest takeaway from the Atlas Lions’ exit was not the result — it was what followed. Four years after becoming the first Arab and African nation to reach a World Cup semifinal, Morocco no longer measures success simply by how far its team progresses. Expectations have changed. And that was evident in the reaction following the loss to France. “We can’t just say we are happy and proud with our achievements here.

The last-16 phase is now behind us with plenty of key talking points as the tournament enters the quarterfinals.

Morocco face France in a repeat of the 2022 World Cup semi-final