France and Morocco meet in a World Cup quarter-final on Thursday, with their post-colonial ties and family connections on full display in Boston. The two countries have a long and complex history, with Morocco having been under French protectorate from 1912 to 1956.
Local Connection
The Boston setting may lend the occasion a more familial feel, with many Moroccans living in the wider metropolitan area. Morocco-born residents have helped build a network of families, students, professionals, and businesses in the city.
Six members of Morocco’s squad were born in France, while several others have played in Ligue 1 or passed through France’s youth system before choosing to represent Morocco. This has created a unique dynamic, with players having dual footballing identities.
Community Support
Over 1,000 fans gathered in Boston Common, singing and waving flags in a peaceful gathering ahead of the game. The Moroccan community in Boston is smaller and less visible than in French cities, but it is established and enthusiastic about the match.
For many supporters, the quarter-final will not necessarily divide a room cleanly in two. As one taxi driver noted, “Some live in the same building and French and Moroccans will watch the game together and shake hands at the end.”
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
