Fifa World Cup: This American national became a fan of Morocco's fearless football

Draped in Moroccan colours, Robert was standing quietly outside the VIP gate of the Al Bayt Stadium, soaking up the atmosphere after Morocco put up a brave fight before going down to France in the World Cup semifinal on Wednesday night.

This American ‘soccer’ fan from Washington DC has been ‘in love with the sport’ for as long as he can remember.

Now here in the Qatar World Cup, he has fallen in love with the Moroccan team that made history by becoming the first African and Arab team to reach the World Cup semifinal.

“Morocco have been an outstanding side in this entire tournament. They have really shown the world just what they can do, what they are capable of,” Robert told this reporter.

“The way they have come together as a team collectively is so very impressive. They have a lot of fine individuals, but they have come together as a team to perform on the biggest stage completely without fear.

“They have been very admirable. I think that’s why Morocco have found a lot of fans around the world, despite nationalities, supporting them.”

The World Cup football, according to Robert, is a unique event that keeps delivering astonishing stories like Morocco.

“I think every single Fifa World Cup, there are always stories that we did not expect. Morocco’s run has been something the whole world has been watching with a lot of love and admiration,” he said.

“It’s something that gives every team hope in the sense that it doesn’t matter what the expectations are coming into a tournament, for every team that comes here on the world stage, anything can happen. That is why the Fifa World Cup is so exhilarating for every fan across the world.”

Robert hoped that his own team, the US which have never gone past the quarterfinal stage in a World Cup, would take a leaf out of the Moroccan book.

“In the United States, it’s taking a number of years for the sport to develop. But what you see now is the United States is a much different place than it was 20-30-40 years ago. And it continues to develop,” he said.

“The next World Cup in 2026 will be played in the US, Canada and Mexico. All three qualified for this tournament. It’s a work in progress. I think all three nations will look to do better than they did in this tournament.”

• In pictures: Fans heartbroken, in tears as Morocco's dream run at the World Cup comes to an end