Morocco’s World Cup Victory Over Netherlands Sparks Relatively Calm Celebrations in Antwerp

The city of Antwerp experienced a relatively subdued celebration following Morocco’s 2-0 victory over the Netherlands in the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals, according to local reports. While the match, played on December 10, 2022, at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, marked a historic moment for Moroccan football, the atmosphere in Antwerp contrasted sharply with the more intense scenes observed in other European cities, such as The Hague, where authorities reported at least 10 arrests.

According to HLN, a Belgian news outlet, the quiet celebrations in Antwerp were attributed to the city’s largely Moroccan community, which, despite its size, opted for a low-key response to the historic win. In contrast, Dutch authorities in The Hague deployed a water cannon to manage crowds, as reported by VRT, a Flemish public broadcaster. The disparity in fan behavior highlighted the different ways in which European cities processed the dramatic upset, with Morocco’s victory over the Netherlands becoming a focal point for both pride and controversy.

A City’s Quiet Pride

Antwerp, a major Belgian port city with a significant Moroccan diaspora, saw a subdued but genuine outpouring of support for the Moroccan team. Local police reported no major incidents, with residents gathering in small groups to watch the match and celebrate the result. “The atmosphere was peaceful, with people expressing their joy through music and traditional dances,” said a local resident, who wished to remain anonymous. “It was a moment of pride for the community, but not one that escalated into disorder.”

The calm response in Antwerp stood in contrast to the more chaotic scenes in The Hague, where Dutch authorities reported at least 10 arrests following the match. VRT cited police sources indicating that the use of a water cannon was necessary to disperse crowds that had gathered near the city’s central station. The Dutch government, which had previously issued warnings about potential unrest, expressed concern over the level of public reaction to the loss. “This was a difficult day for many Dutch fans, but we remain committed to ensuring public safety,” a spokesperson for the Dutch National Police stated.

The Match That Shook the World

The match, which took place on December 10, 2022, was a pivotal moment in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Morocco, making history as the first African nation to reach the World Cup semifinals, secured a 2-0 victory over the Netherlands. The decisive goal came in the 87th minute, when Moroccan forward Sofyan Amrabat (often referred to as “Saibari” in local media) scored a penalty after being fouled in the box. Amrabat, who had been substituted earlier in the match, returned to the field in the final moments to seal the victory.

The second goal was scored by Morocco’s captain, Achraf Hakimi, who netted a stunning long-range shot in the 67th minute. The Dutch team, which had entered the match as heavy favorites, struggled to break through Morocco’s defensive organization. The match ended with the Netherlands’ coach, Ronald Koeman, facing immediate scrutiny from the Dutch media, which criticized his tactical decisions and the team’s overall performance.

Dutch Fury and Moroccan Triumph

The Dutch media’s response to the loss was particularly harsh. De Morgen, a Belgian newspaper, quoted a Dutch journalist as saying, “Om je diep, heel diep voor te schamen” (“To be deeply, deeply ashamed”), reflecting the widespread disappointment in the Netherlands. The Dutch team’s failure to advance beyond the quarterfinals was seen as a major setback, especially after their strong performance in the group stage.

Meanwhile, Morocco’s coach, Vahid Halilhodžić, expressed his pride in the team’s achievement. “This is a historic moment for Moroccan football,” he said in a post-match interview. “We have shown that we can compete with the best teams in the world.” The victory also sparked celebrations in Morocco itself, where the team’s success was hailed as

The Moroccan Diaspora’s Quiet Joy

Antwerp’s Moroccan community, though not large, celebrated with a sense of collective accomplishment. Local cafés buzzed with conversations in Arabic and Dutch, while traditional instruments echoed through neighborhoods. “We didn’t need noise to feel this,” said one shopkeeper, whose family had emigrated from Casablanca. “This was about proving something to ourselves.”

By contrast, The Hague’s chaos underscored the emotional stakes. Police faced off with fans near the central station, where chants of “We are the Netherlands!” mingled with jeers. The Dutch government’s warnings about “unrest” had not prepared them for the raw disappointment. “It’s not just about football,” said a 24-year-old fan. “It’s about identity.”