World Cup 2022: Achraf Hakimi Breaks Silence After Morocco’s Exit

• Morocco star Achraf Hakimi has reacted to his country's painful exit from the 2022 World Cup
• He says he is proud of his team since they gave their all in challenging circumstances
• The Atlas Lions play Croatia on Saturday to determine who finishes third in the tournament

Morocco star Achraf Hakimi has said his team gave their all after France ended their record-breaking 2022 World Cup run in the semi-final.

The Atlas Lions set several records in Qatar and will go down as one of the greatest teams in Africa.

The north Africans produced a commendable performance against the defending champions France but they fell short.

Despite their elimination, Walid Regragui's side earned plenty of plaudits from many fans across the world. They beat heavyweights like Belgium, Spain and Portugal en route to the semi-finals.

Ranking the top 10 best Brazilian football strikers of all-time

Football

They became the first African side in history to contest a World Cup semi-final. Against France, they fought bravely despite injuries to key players but it wasn't to be for them, per Sky Sports.

Theo Hernandez's goal in the fifth minute was the first they had conceded from an opposition player in the tournament. Randal Kolo Muani ended all hope for the tens of thousands of Morocco fans in the stands when he sealed the game in the 79th minute.

The Atlas Lions joined the United States and South Korea as the only teams from outside Europe and South America to get this far, per AP.

Hakimi was one of the tournament's best players and led his team from the back with injuries to key players like Nayef Aguerd and Romain Saiss.

Hakimi's reaction to Qatar exit

France star Kylian Mbappe consoled Hakimi, who is his close friend and PSG teammate after ther game. They were pictured sitting in the tunnel after the game.

Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer: Is CR7 leaving Manchester United and which clubs are likely to acquire him?

Football

The PSG right-back took to Twitter to share his message hours after they were knocked out. He said they gave their all and is proud of what they achieved.

"We gave it all. The dream of a team, of a whole country, is over. But we have to be proud of what we have done. We fought until the last second and we leave with our heads held high.We will continue to try and give our all for this nation. Thanks to all Moroccans for your support"

However, Morocco have a chance to give their fans and the continent of Africa a smile when they play Croatia on Saturday in the third-place play-off. They drew 0-0 with Morocco early in the group stages.

Mbappe and Hakimi hang out

Sports Brief earlier reported on Mbappe, Hakimi and Morocco winger Sofiane Boufal were spotted hanging out after the game.

Suarez, Cavani muted at World Cup but Uruguay coach under fire

Football

Boufal plays for Angers while the duo of Hakimi and Mbappe are on the books of Paris Saint-Germain.

Hakimi was also spotted swapping jerseys with Mbappe after the game, with the French star sending a lovely message to the former Real Madrid defender.