Walid Regragui, the manager of Morocco, will face Portugal on Saturday in an attempt to make history by being the first African coach to lead a side into the World Cup semifinals.
The North African country has defied all odds to reach the quarter-finals after stunning tournament favourites Spain 3-0 in a shootout after a goalless draw.
Morocco are the last African side following the exit of African champions Senegal, Ghana, Tunisia and Cameroon and also the only remaining Arab team left in the tournament.
“If you can do it, you can, if not, not,” the 47-year-old said of breaking new ground for an African or Arab coach.
“It has nothing to do with being Arab or not. I fought for it. Maybe when I’m old, I’ll be proud of it, but for the moment, I am mainly proud for my country.
“And with a local coach, it’s the best thing for me and for my country.”