Ecstatic Moroccans celebrate World Cup victory over Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal

Ecstatic Moroccans poured into streets of ir capital and in cities across rth African country on Saturday, waving flags, honking horns and lighting flares to celebrate national soccer team's historic victory over Portugal at World Cup.

Morocco beat Portuguese 1-0 in Qatar, kcking Cristia Ronaldo out of tournament and making Atlas Lions first African and first Arab team to reach World Cup semifinals.

capital, Rabat, was bursting with joy while Morocco fans also celebrated in streets of Doha and in cities across Europe, where many Moroccans live. 

Or fans from Middle East and Africa who have opted Atlas Lions as ir team were also jubilant.

We were so stressed as if we were on pitch with players, but w we want trophy, said Mohamed Amine, who was celebrating in Rabat. players, this team lifted Morocco's reputation high among nations of world."

victory has Morocco fans full of confidence for days ahe. team will face eir France or England in semifinals on Wednesday.

I am so happy that I don't even kw if I can express myself, but if we are here w, I believe that we can make it to final," Yasmine Benmehredj said during celebrations in Moroccan capital. 

I think we can win this World Cup.

In Qatar, hundreds of elated fans cl in green and red outside Al Thumama Stium celebrated Morocco's win, chanting, ululating, banging on drums and waving national flag. 

Some chanted: Congratulations to us for this beginning! It will only go on and on!

This is unbelievable. It's first time ever, said Saleh al-Rayes, a 27-year-old fan from Saudi Arabia in Doha.

As an Arab at first World Cup held in Middle East, al-Rayes said he feels a sense of inclusion and representation in world of soccer, a spot that has been dominated by European and South American teams.

You come in as an underdog and n you win. It's Arab pride, al-Rayes said. 

SPO-FOOT-WC-ARGENTINA-MESSI"All Arab countries were here in stium supporting Morocco.

Morocco's phemenal run in Qatar also reverberated across Africa on Saturday.

Continental history! Confederation of African Football wrote on Twitter after Morocco's victory.

Historic and fantastic, African Union chair and Senegalese President Macky Sall wrote in a tweet.