QATAR: Morocco made history by becoming the African country to arrive at a World Cup elimination round as they dazed Portugal with a 1-0 win thanks to a Youssef En-Nesyri header.
Morocco held firm despite Portugal’s dominance at Al Thumama Stadium thanks to En-Nesyri’s towering effort in the 42nd minute, which proved to be the only goal of the quarterfinal match.
Morocco enters semifinals with a historic win
Walid Regragui’s team created history by reaching the competition’s semi-final, where they will play the winners of England’s quarterfinal encounter against France on Saturday night.
After missing Portugal’s round-of-16 victory over Switzerland, the spotlight was back on Cristiano Ronaldo before the game began, as he started on the bench for the second game in a row.
En-Nesyri headed home a cross from Yahia Attiyat-Allah in the 42nd minute after Morocco capitalized on a Portugal goalkeeper’s mistake. Portugal’s goalkeeper hesitated.
Morocco missed a great opportunity to go further ahead when Attiyat-Allah skewed a shot wide after a fine counterattack. Bruno Fernandes nearly equalized moments later with an audacious half-volley that hit the crossbar.
Ronaldo made an appearance in the 51st minute for his 196th Portugal cap, equalling Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa’s FIFA men’s record for international appearances. However, he failed to make a significant impression in the outcome of the game.
In the 83rd minute, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made a fingertip save to deny Joao Felix’s driving shot over the crossbar, and he was also called upon to deny Ronaldo’s effort in the final minute.
Morocco had more last-minute nerves when substitute Walid Cheddira was sent off for two yellow cards in a row and Pepe headed wide in the final moments.
However, Regragui’s team held on for another memorable victory after their round-of-16 victory over Spain.
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