A Closer Look is The National's show where we take a more in-depth look at one of the main stories of the week.
The greatly anticipated Qatar World Cup 2022 is now one match away from finding the winner. Yet one of the teams that did not make the final has been making most of the headlines in a tournament that has provided more than a couple of shock results.
Morocco, a country with about half the population of France, had a historic run in Doha, beating big name teams such as Spain and Portugal. It was the first time a team from Africa had made it to the semi-finals and it seemed every Arabic-speaking country was supporting them.
Here, host Sarah Forster is joined in the studio by The National's Tim Knowles and in Doha by Ali Al Shouk to discuss how this unexpected success came about and what it means for the region.
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GROUP STAGE: Morocco 0-0 Croatia: Sofyan Amrabat and his Morocco teammates greet fans after their opening match of World Cup 2022 Group F ended in a draw at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor on November 23, 2022. EPA -
Croatia's Lovro Majer is challenged by Morocco captain Romain Saiss. Morocco were widely praised for holding the 2018 runners-up to a goalless draw. AFP -
Belgium 0-2 Morocco: Achraf Hakimi, left, and Noussair Mazraoui celebrate after Morocco's second goal during their World Cup Group F match at Al Thumama Stadium on November 27, 2022. This is the match that kick-started Morocco's incredible run in Qatar. Getty -
Morocco's Sofyan Amrabat challenges Amadou Onana of Belgium. Amrabat emerged as a midfield enforcer for Morocco, who remained unbeaten in the group stage. Getty -
Canada 1-2 Morocco: Morocco's Youssef En-Nesyri, left, celebrates with Sofiane Boufal after scoring his side's second goal at Al Thumama Stadium on December 1, 2022. The African nation secured their place in the World Cup last 16 for first time since 1986. AP -
Morocco's Sofyan Amrabat, left, and Alphonso Davies of Canada battle for possession. Goals from Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri ensured the North Africans finished top of Group F. AP -
ROUND-OF-16: Morocco 0-0 Spain (Morocco win on penalties). Morocco players celebrate after their win in the last-16 match against Spain at the Education City Stadium on December 06, 2022. The North African nation made it to the quarter-finals for first time. Getty -
Alvaro Morata of Spain after missing chance during the last-16 match against Morocco. Achraf Hakimi converted the decisive spot kick for Morocco with a cheeky 'Panenka' in the penalty shoot-out. Getty -
QUARTER-FINALS: Morocco 1-0 Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal looks dejected after his team's defeat in the World Cup quarter-final at Al Thumama Stadium on December 10, 2022. Getty -
Morocco's Sofiane Boufal, right, celebrates with his mother after his team's win in the World Cup quarter-final against Portugal. AP -
Morocco's goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, left, celebrates with Achraf Hakimi after guiding their team to the World Cup semi-final. AP
