A detailed thread on how Morocco have managed to become the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final has gone viral.
Walid Regragui's made history on Saturday afternoon thanks to Youssef En-Nesyri's header in their 1-0 victory over Portugal.
Morocco are quickly becoming everyone's preferred winner at the tournament thanks to their 'Rocky Balboa' spirit and willingness to work for one another.
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Don't be fooled, though. A significant amount of work behind the scenes has contributed to Morocco's recent success.
According to Eurofoot, King Mohammed VI spent £12 million of his own money to help 'reshape' international football in the country back in 2009.
At that time, Morocco had failed to qualify for the previous two World Cups. His Majesty knew something had to change for the long-term success of his country.
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Named the Mohammed VI Football Academy, players were allowed to nurture their skills to make it to a professional football league.
Mohammed VI filled the complex with state-of-the-art equipment after being disillusioned by the previous offerings.
It includes eight FIFA-standard pitches outside in addition to a climate-controlled indoor pitch.
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The academy featured a four-star hotel alongside a private doctor, dentist and school as well. Development on a personal level was key as well, with attendees being between the ages of 13 and 18.
Three members of Morocco's 26-man World Cup squad graduated from the Mohammed VI Football Academy.
En-Nesryi, Azzedine Ounahi and Nayef Aguerd are all alumni, playing for Sevilla, Angers and West Ham United at club level, respectively. You have to assume more will follow in the future.
Since the academy's inception, Morocco have managed to make consecutive World Cups for the first time in their history. They were eliminated at the group stages in 2018 but have already left their mark on Qatar.
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Following the Portugal game, Regragui declared: "We are now becoming the team that everyone loves in this World Cup because we are showing that even if you don’t have as much talent and money then you can succeed.
"We have made our people and our continent so happy and proud. When you watch Rocky, you want to support Rocky Balboa and I think we are the Rocky of this World Cup. I think now the world is with Morocco."
Morocco know their next task is the toughest of all. Reigning world champions France on Wednesday evening. No matter what happens, they've set the benchmark for every nation to follow.
Topics: Football World Cup, Morocco
Daniel Marland