Raja players mob idol Ronaldinho after stunning Atletico

‘Ashamed’ coach Cuca apologises to travelling Brazilian supporters following shock exit

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Raja Casablanca players celebrate Mouhssine Iajour's goal against Atletico Mineiro during their Club World Cup semi-final in Marrakech. Photos: Reuters

Published: 10:45am, 19 Dec 2013Updated: 12:53pm, 19 Dec 2013

Rank outsiders Raja Casablanca untied and removed Ronaldinho’s boots and pleaded for his shirt after a stunning 3-1 win over South American champions Atletico Mineiro on Wednesday.

Former World Player of the Year Ronaldinho curled in a free kick but was unable to prevent the Brazilians from sliding to an astonishing defeat against Raja, who were seen as no-hopers after firing coach Mohamed Fakhir one week before the tournament.

The ever-grinning Atletico playmaker left the pitch amid a crowd of admiring opponents, who qualified as champions of the host nation and are fifth in the Moroccan league.

Ronaldinho is mobbed by Raja Casablanca players pleading for his boots and shirt as souvenirs.

Raja, a team of average league players with only a sprinkling of international caps between them, will have the chance to add more souvenirs when they face all-conquering Bayern Munich in Saturday’s final in Marrakech.

Mouhssine Iajour gave Raja the lead early in the second half before Ronaldinho curled a free kick in off the post to level for the South American champions just after the hour.

Mohsine Moutaouali fired home a controversial penalty in the 84th minute and Vivien Mabide wrapped it up in stoppage time with a breakaway goal amid wild celebrations at the Stade de Marrakech.