Arab World Cup Fans On LI Get Ready For Historic Match Saturday

LONG ISLAND, NY — Arab and Middle Eastern people all over the world have been celebrating Morocco's historic World Cup run in Qatar, and Long Island is no exception. The Moroccan team is the first Arab country ever to make it to the quarterfinals of a World Cup, and the surprise win over favorite Spain on Tuesday sparked an outpouring of support from North Africans and Arabs from all different countries.

In Farmingdale at Mariam's Cafe, a halal fusion restaurant serving American, Moroccan, Middle Eastern, Italian and Spanish cuisine, the owners didn't even have time to plan a big watch party, Sameh and Mariam told Patch.

For Saturday's quarterfinal match with Portugal Saturday at 10 a.m., there will be a small watch party with family and friends at the Fulton Street spot.

"It's last minute after the Moroccan team surprised us all. If they win tomorrow we will plan something bigger."

The historic win has united Arab people of different backgrounds on Long Island, as well as globally.

"There are a lot of Moroccans and Middle Easterners on the island supporting the Moroccan national team in the World Cup."

Youssef Salama lives in Dix Hills and told Patch that Morocco has "always been the underdogs and this World Cup has shown the strength of Morocco. I'm proud my country made it this far for the first time to play against some of the best teams in the world."

"Eight teams left and we are one of those eight."

In Farmingdale, Mariam's Cafe will even celebrate all of December with a sale, 30 percent off of their Moroccan catering menu.