Morocco players celebrate after defeating Spain in penalty shootout in World Cup last 16 clash at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Doha, on Tuesday. AFP

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, congratulated the Moroccan team for winning against Spain to reach World Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday.

Sheikh Mohammed said on Twitter, “The impossible is not Moroccan… The impossible is not Arab... The lionhearted men of Morocco we are proud of you before the whole world.”

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, also congratulated Morocco.

Sheikh Hamdan said, “Congratulations to Morocco for this deserved victory and outstanding heroic performance... Today, the Atlas Lions scored an unprecedented achievement in the history of Arab football by qualifying for the quarter-finals.”

Morocco have become the first African and Arab country to reach the last 8 in the global championship.

The historic victory came after the Atlas Lions defeated Spain  3 - 0  on penalties following a heroic performance.

After a remarkably tight 120 minutes, the Moroccan cruised into the last 8 with Achraf Hakimi hitting the game-winning penalty.