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Flags hang from windows, fans in red jerseys stroll the sidewalks and a buzz of anticipation runs through South Paterson as residents prepare for Morocco’s World Cup match against France.
It’s a big one.
Morocco’s national team — the last standing team from the Middle East or Africa – takes on a powerhouse widely considered the team to beat in this tournament. But Morocco itself has become a major contender on the global stage, beating four countries and tying Brazil to get to the final eight.
Here, in one of the nation’s largest Arab American communities, people from across ethnicities are uniting to support Morocco. And emotions are running high, as many are still reeling over Egypt’s controversial loss to Argentina on July 7.
There’s history here too, considering France’s occupation of Morocco from 1912 to 1956. But fans say that’s in the past, and these games are about sportsmanship, not politics. After all, some point out, six members of the Moroccan team were born in France.
These Paterson shopkeepers shared their anticipatory thoughts on the game.
“It’s not just because I love my team and I have to support them. My team is strong and inshallah [God willing] today it’s going to prove it’s strong … In the beginning of course anybody they support his team, but right now all the teams in Africa and Arab [countries] they out. So mostly they support Morocco. Everybody is untied behind our team.”
“Hopefully we’ll be treated as fairly. We’ll be happy if we win. Even if we lose — we hope not — we need to be fair. We don’t want what happened to Egypt to happen to us.”
Nouri spoke about supporting Morocco while hanging the country’s flag outside the Nouri Wedding Center.
“It’s unfortunate Egypt was robbed out of their chance to become the World Cup winners, so we’re hoping for Morocco to do the right thing. They’ve been doing extremely well. We’re proud of them. And after all, it’s not political. It’s a sport to unite people. May the best man win. That’s all it is. If you look at it any other way, you’re in the wrong year. This is all about friendship, sportsmanship and I think both teams are very well prepared. They have great spirit about the sport and that’s all we can ask for.
“When American was playing we were supporting the United States a billion precent. We love this country, but you always have a little bit of love for your hometown countries.”
“They come in and buy jerseys. They buy flags — a lot of people from different countries and different places.”
“There are no problems … Some of the players were born in France. Look at [Achraf] Hakimi, his best friend plays for France.”
“I’m supporting Morocco because honestly, I’m Middle Eastern and all Arabs try to get each other’s back. and they’re the best African team, the best Middle Easter team and I hope they present Arabs in the best way.
“It’s going to be a very, very tough game, a very hard game. In my opinion, France is the strongest team in the world cup right ow and I believe Morocco can win. If they win this game, I think they’re winning the whole thing.”
“We support America first. American lose and then we support of course Morocco … It has nothing do with politics. If this is politics, America would win all the way. You play good, you deserve it. It’s nothing to do with the political. If you play good, you deserve it.”
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: 'Everybody is united' in Paterson as they wait for Morocco vs. France
Continue reading...
It’s a big one.
Morocco’s national team — the last standing team from the Middle East or Africa – takes on a powerhouse widely considered the team to beat in this tournament. But Morocco itself has become a major contender on the global stage, beating four countries and tying Brazil to get to the final eight.
Here, in one of the nation’s largest Arab American communities, people from across ethnicities are uniting to support Morocco. And emotions are running high, as many are still reeling over Egypt’s controversial loss to Argentina on July 7.
There’s history here too, considering France’s occupation of Morocco from 1912 to 1956. But fans say that’s in the past, and these games are about sportsmanship, not politics. After all, some point out, six members of the Moroccan team were born in France.
These Paterson shopkeepers shared their anticipatory thoughts on the game.
Fouzi Alaoua, owner of Naharine Grocery, and a native of Morocco
“It’s not just because I love my team and I have to support them. My team is strong and inshallah [God willing] today it’s going to prove it’s strong … In the beginning of course anybody they support his team, but right now all the teams in Africa and Arab [countries] they out. So mostly they support Morocco. Everybody is untied behind our team.”
“Hopefully we’ll be treated as fairly. We’ll be happy if we win. Even if we lose — we hope not — we need to be fair. We don’t want what happened to Egypt to happen to us.”
Jim Nouri, a Syrian American business owner
Nouri spoke about supporting Morocco while hanging the country’s flag outside the Nouri Wedding Center.
“It’s unfortunate Egypt was robbed out of their chance to become the World Cup winners, so we’re hoping for Morocco to do the right thing. They’ve been doing extremely well. We’re proud of them. And after all, it’s not political. It’s a sport to unite people. May the best man win. That’s all it is. If you look at it any other way, you’re in the wrong year. This is all about friendship, sportsmanship and I think both teams are very well prepared. They have great spirit about the sport and that’s all we can ask for.
“When American was playing we were supporting the United States a billion precent. We love this country, but you always have a little bit of love for your hometown countries.”
Touria Elyamani, owner of Elyamari Farms and a native of Morocco
“They come in and buy jerseys. They buy flags — a lot of people from different countries and different places.”
“There are no problems … Some of the players were born in France. Look at [Achraf] Hakimi, his best friend plays for France.”
Ibrahim Alsaadi, Palestinian American business owner
“I’m supporting Morocco because honestly, I’m Middle Eastern and all Arabs try to get each other’s back. and they’re the best African team, the best Middle Easter team and I hope they present Arabs in the best way.
“It’s going to be a very, very tough game, a very hard game. In my opinion, France is the strongest team in the world cup right ow and I believe Morocco can win. If they win this game, I think they’re winning the whole thing.”
Abdullah Khatar, owner of Saj Palestine
“We support America first. American lose and then we support of course Morocco … It has nothing do with politics. If this is politics, America would win all the way. You play good, you deserve it. It’s nothing to do with the political. If you play good, you deserve it.”
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: 'Everybody is united' in Paterson as they wait for Morocco vs. France
Continue reading...
