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The Peninsula
Besides the intense moments on the pitch FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 also served some endearing moments for the thousands of fans who visited Qatar and millions worldwide who watched the action on TV.
Here are some of those abiding memories from the showpiece event:
Dancing mom
Morocco were easily the surprise package of the tournament. Their run to the semi-finals was the first for an African country.
In addition to the footballing prowess one member of the Atlas Lions showed his affectionate side as well. Midfielder Sofiane Boufal did something unique during their celebration after beating Portugal in the quarter-finals. He found his mother from the stands and escorted her to the pitch to celebrate and dance together for the world to see.
Crying champion
That quarter-final Morocco won 1-0 to advance provided a heartbreaking moment for an iconic player in the world – Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo.
He became the first man to score in five World Cups but was a shadow of the player he once was. Following an infamous spat with his coach Ronaldo didn't start the game but he came on in the dying moments of the game when his country needed him the most looking for an equaliser. It never came. A teary Ronaldo left the field knowing very well that it was his last chance to win the World Cup.
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Smiling through tears
Another star who went home disappointed was Brazil's Neymar. His team lost to Croatia in the quarter-finals after a penalty shootout.
Neymar who is known for his huge talent as well as his antics and bad temper was weeping after the loss when a boy in Croatian colours approached him and was stopped by security. However, the teary Neymar waved him through, shook his hand and embraced the youngster who later turned out to be Croatian winger Ivan Perisic's son.
France's Kylian Mbappe hugs Morocco's Achraf Hakimi after the match.
Friends come what may
France met Morocco in a semi-final and the pre-match talks centred on the bromance of French star Kylian Mbappe and Moroccan Achraf Hakimi who are teammates at Paris Saint-Germain and their rivalry in the match. France prevailed 2-0. The bromance was intact. The warm embrace shared by Mbappe and Hakimi was easily the picture of the match.
Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates with family members including children and wife Antonela Roccuzzo after winning the World Cup.
Everyone's hero
There is always a lot of excitement for the children who accompany players to the pitch when Lionel Messi is in the tunnel. The Argentine star makes it a point to engage with kids before he steps on to the field – making the experience a memorable one for them.
As usual he greeted every child before their last 16 clash against Australia at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. One girl who was not his escort seized the occasion to let the star know what she thinks about him. She sneaked to the front and told him she is a big fan. As he smiled she put her thumbs up.
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