Moroccan fans honor their team despite semi-final defeat | In images, in pictures

Morocco’s dreams of reaching the World Cup final were dashed after a 2-0 loss to France in the last four.

After reaching the semi-finals of the world’s most prestigious event – the first time in history for a country with an African or Arab majority – the Atlas Lions were finally shot down by mighty France on Wednesday.

“We’re a bit upset, I’m not going to lie,” Casablanca’s Hassan Chadilly told Al Jazeera at Al Bayt Stadium.

“After continuing to win the knockout matches, we had a lot of hope. Unfortunately, we couldn’t do it again.”

However, Chadily said Moroccans around the world are “very proud” of the team.

“We have the most wonderful players in the world… coach [Walid Regragui], training staff. I will never forget being here in Qatar at such a historic time for our country,” said Chadily, who resides in Dubai.

There was no recreation, however, of the loud and euphoric scenes the world came to see the Moroccan fans at the tournament in recent weeks.

A few people could be seen jumping and shouting Dima Maghrib (Always Morocco) as they left the stadium but far away with the same enthusiasm as when the The Atlas Lions shocked Portugal last week, or Spain and Belgium before them.

“I was really hoping we could meet Argentina in the final… but France were better than us,” Yassine Bouziane told Al Jazeera.

“But I’m not sad, honestly. They did the best they could. Nobody expected it, ”said the Tangier. “They made so many people happy – all Muslims in the world, Arabs and Africans.”

France will face Argentina in the final on Sunday at the Lusail stadium, while Morocco will face Croatia for third place on December 17.