Morocco shock Portugal to become first African nation in World Cup semifinals

1 year ago 123

Morocco became the archetypal African federation to scope a World Cup semifinal arsenic they stunned Portugal with a 1-0 triumph acknowledgment to a Youssef En-Nesyri header.

En-Nesyri's towering effort successful the 42nd infinitesimal proved to beryllium the lone extremity of the quarterfinal arsenic Morocco held steadfast contempt Portugal's dominance astatine Al Thumama Stadium.

- Stream connected ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, much (U.S.)

It meant Walid Regragui's broadside made past arsenic they reached the last 4 of the competition, wherever they volition look the winners of England's clash with France connected Saturday evening.

Before kickoff the absorption was connected Cristiano Ronaldo again arsenic helium started connected the seat for the 2nd successive game, having been near retired of Portugal's starting lineup for their round-of-16 triumph against Switzerland.

Morocco took a daze pb successful the 42nd infinitesimal erstwhile they seized connected a goalkeeping mistake from Diogo Costa, with En-Nesyri heading location Yahya Attiat-Allah's transverse arsenic the Portugal keeper hesitated.

Bruno Fernandes astir equalised moments aboriginal erstwhile helium produced an audacious fractional volley which rattled the crossbar, earlier Morocco spurned a large accidental to spell further up erstwhile Attiat-Allah skewed a changeable wide aft a good counter-attack.

Ronaldo came connected successful the 51st infinitesimal for his 196th Portugal headdress -- equalling the FIFA men's grounds for planetary appearances held by Kuwait's Bader al-Mutawa successful the process -- but helium failed to marque an impact.

Morocco keeper Yassine Bounou produced a fingertip prevention to crook a driving changeable from Joao Felix implicit the barroom successful the 83rd infinitesimal and was besides called upon to halt an effort from Ronaldo successful stoppage time.

There were further precocious nerves for Morocco arsenic substitute Walid Cheddira was sent disconnected for 2 yellowish cards successful speedy succession portion Pepe headed wide successful the dying stages, but Regragui's broadside held connected for different memorable triumph pursuing their round-of-16 triumph against Spain.

Read Entire Article