"Morocco want to be a "strong contender" at all levels of global football after becoming the first Arab country to win the Under-20 World Cup, having beaten Argentina 2-0 in the final on Sunday. A spokesperson close to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has told BBC Sport Africa the victory proves "the vision worked" following the country's huge investment in the game over the past decade. Striker Yassir Zabiri scored both goals against the record six-time U20 World Cup champions in Santiago, Chile."
""We salute this sporting achievement, the result of your high level of self-confidence, your unwavering belief in your potential and talent, the spirit of cohesion and harmony you have demonstrated, as well as your superb professional performance throughout this World Cup," he said. "As much as you have delighted and brought joy to the passionate football fans, you have also filled us with happiness, as well as the entire Moroccan people.""
""It was a sleepless night," said football pundit Jalal Bounouar, who watched the game which kicked off at midnight local time. "The whole country stayed awake all night, people could not believe what had happened, being champions of the world for the first time. "In every big city, in villages, in towns, people ran to the streets waving flags, singing, shouting, cars were honking. "Moroccans are addicted to football and winning the World Cup means a lot.""
Morocco defeated Argentina 2-0 in the Under-20 World Cup final in Santiago, Chile, with Yassir Zabiri scoring both goals. The victory made Morocco the first Arab country and only the second African nation, after Ghana in 2009, to win the U20 title. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation sees the win as proof that decade-long investment and a strategic vision paid off. King Mohammed VI praised the players' confidence, cohesion and professional performance. Nationwide celebrations followed, with fans filling streets, singing and honking cars through the night after a rare fourth tournament appearance and first since 2005.
Read at www.bbc.com
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