Morocco coach Walid Regragui said his country would back France to win the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina on Sunday.
The Atlas Lions were defeated by France in the semi-finals on Wednesday, ending their fairytale run. Morocco were hoping to make more history after becoming the first African side to reach the World Cup last four.
But goals on either side of half-time earned a 2-0 victory for France, although the African nation provided stern resistance and will feel unlucky not to have more to show for their efforts.
“We are going to support them [France] now. The whole world is proud of this Moroccan team,” the Morocco coach said, as quoted by Goal.
“We showed desire, played hard, and have given a good image of Morocco and of African football. We were representing our country and our continent. People already respected us but I think they respect us more now.”
He added: “Congratulations to France. I said before the match, they are a very good side and they were well-placed to win the game but in spite of all the injuries we had, the tiredness, we pulled out all the stops, gave them everything, caused them problems and that is already quite an achievement.
“You can’t win a World Cup with miracles, you need to win it through hard work and that is what we will do, we will keep working.”
Morocco will face Croatia for bronze on Saturday.