Everyone loves an underdog - especially here in Wales. However, with Gareth Bale and co exiting the 2022 World Cup earlier than hoped, it was another team in red that defied expectations and football fans took to their hearts - Morocco.
And after shock wins over Belgium, Spain and Portugal, the African country were just 90 minutes away from an historic World Cup Final on Wednesday night. So for Moroccans living in Wales, the sense of occasion and excitement was at fever pitch levels.
So it came as no surprise that Atlas Lions supporters excitedly made a beeline for Cardiff restaurant Casablanca Moroccan & Lebanese Cuisine on City Road - a place where proud fans couldn't contain their excitement after their quarter final win. In one video, which has been viewed more than 7,000 times on Twitter, crowds can be seen spilling into the road as they chant, dance and wave their flags, whilst car horns can be heard beeping in response.
The popular restaurant was awash with Moroccan flags and supporters dressed in red as they gathered to watch the game live on TV.
Read more: Why is Morocco abbreviated to MAR on BBC and ITV World Cup coverage?
Khadija Chahid co-owns the restaurant along with her family. She said the restaurant - which only opened two months ago - had gradually gotten busier with each game and that tables had been fully booked since their win on Saturday.
The 34-year-old said following the match: "In football you never know, but they did whatever they could do. We have never been in this position before so we are happy. And we've met lots of people in our restaurant. It was a really good match. We are really proud of what they have achieved. As a Moroccan, I can see they did a lot to be here. Football is a little bit of luck and a little bit of experience."
Mohammed Chahid is Khadija's brother and also helps to run the business. Before the match started, he said had high hopes. The 32-year-old said: "It's a new feeling, we've never experienced it before. The atmosphere on the weekend was incredible, there was a lot of life, a lot of screaming. Everybody was enjoying it. There was a lot of tension because you're hoping for them to win and your heart is pumping. The feeling is something we've never had before. Now I understand why Brazilians and Argentinians get so excited over the World Cup.
"We have Niyya in Arabic that means intention. It means if you have a good intention, you will proceed. Everybody is just doing a lot of Niyya with the game. Never has any Arab or African team ever reached that semi-final and everyone is getting excited because they are writing history."
Following the game, he said: "They played very well, they had too many chances, but it was a really good game and we are happy anyway....qualifying as one of the best four teams in the world is an achievement anyway."
Safaa Elhamidi was visiting the restaurant with her family. Before the match, the 22-year-old said she felt "nervous, but hopeful and very excited".
She said: "I don't want to say anything [before the game] as I don't want to jinx anything, but I just want to hope for the best. So far, that's just been my mentality. If Morocco does win, it's going to go crazy.
"It means a lot because no African or Arab or Muslim country has ever been involved in something like this, it's such a historic moment. Also because the Moroccan players are showing the Palestine flag it shows that the Muslim community is united. Between them, they have only been with the coach for about three months and in three months it changed everything. All the tactics were started fresh and thanks to him that's why they are going so well, creating this atmosphere and morale. They're enjoying playing."
Following Morocco's 2-0 defeat, she said: "Most of the players were injured, so I understand why they played like that. Even though it didn't go the way we wanted, I'm still proud of them and I'm still happy with how it went."
Malik Jari, 17, visited the venue with her mum Jamila Joulali, 48. Prior to the match, the pair echoed the feeling in the room and said they felt "nervous and excited".
After the match, Malik said: "It was very disappointing, they had lots of chances, but the defence from France was just too good for them. I don't like that they switched their position. In the other games, they were defending, but this time they were attacking. We're still proud."
Gabriel Lasmaili is an exchange student at Cardiff University from Germany. He came along to the restaurant with his peers who study dentistry. The 25-year-old - who has Moroccan heritage - said he initially felt confident his team would win.
He said: "I'm feeling confident and I think Morocco will win. I think it will be a good game and that France are confident - too confident maybe in my opinion. It's going to be a big win.
"I think they will win as they have shown a solid performance throughout the World Cup. They've been playing under the radar for a while so for me it doesn't come as a surprise. We were in here at the restaurant on the weekend and it was amazing. It almost felt like we were in Casablanca. I think the struggle of the past year with Covid and travel restrictions, a lot of Moroccons weren't able to see their families so the World Cup has brought them together all over the globe."
Following the game, he said: "I'm very proud of Morocco, they played very well. I think they played better than France today and I think Morocco will be remembered as legends at the World Cup and France in second place. Morocco had very close chances. I am still very happy."
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