They may have fallen just short of reaching the World Cup final, but Moroccans on Wednesday hailed their team’s historic run as it ended with a 2-0 defeat to reigning champions France.

Goals from Theo Hernandez and substitute Randal Kolo Muani made the difference for France but it was Griezmann’s combination of graft and guile at both ends of the pitch that caught the eye.

Despite the loss, ruler King Mohammed VI sent his “warm congratulations” to the whole team for having “honoured the Moroccan people”, according to the country’s national news agency MAP.

France’s first goal

Sofiane’s yellow card

Fans rooting from across the globe

Highlight-of-the-match kick

France’s second goal

The moment of result

Header photo: Morocco’s Romain Saiss and Achraf Hakimi look dejected after being eliminated from the World Cup. — Reuters