There were few problems in the Netherlands following Morocco’s elimination from the World Cup in Qatar, as fans took to the streets to celebrate the success of their team in the championships, despite the defeat.

In the Amsterdam district of Osdorp, three youngsters were arrested for setting of fireworks and riot police were drafted in to clear a group of around 100 people from the streets. But on Mercatorplein, where there had been trouble earlier in the tournament, there were ‘more police than fans’, broadcaster NOS reported.

In Rotterdam, fans set off fireworks and smoke bombs and there were 14 arrests while in The Hague’s district of Schilderswijk, supporters sang and danced and sounded car horns. Two people were arrested for setting of fireworks.

In Utrecht’s Lombok district, several hundred youngsters also took to the streets but there were no problems, local media said.

The situation was very different in France and Belgium, where there were hundreds of arrests following clashes between rival supporters and with the police. A 14-year-old youth died in Montpellier when he was run over by a car.

Pride

The Telegraaf said in its report on the match that ‘the whole of Africa can look back with pride on the final round of a world championships’.

‘The elimination in the semi-finals by France (2-0) hurts, but a Moroccan team been never been able to charm the football world like this,’ the paper said, before going on to praise the team’s ‘refined technique and impressive professionalism.’

Morocco will meet Croatia on Saturday afternoon to determine third and fourth place, while Argentina and France play the final on Sunday.