Morocco write World Cup history as they reach semi-finals

DOHA, Dec 10 – Morocco wrote World Cup historical past on Saturday night time as the primary African and Arab nation to achieve the event’s semi-finals, persevering with their shock run in Qatar with a shock 1-0 victory over the extremely fancied Portugal.

Youssef En-Nesyri leapt excessive within the air to move residence the sport’s solely purpose simply earlier than half-time on the Al-Thumama Stadium to strike a major blow in opposition to soccer’s established order and e-book a semi-final on Wednesday in opposition to both England or France, who meet afterward Saturday.

The end result will likely be extensively celebrated throughout Africa and the Arabic-speaking Middle East, determined to see one in all their groups in competition for the most important prize in soccer.

Morocco had already taken the scalps of Belgium and Spain on this event however the win over Portugal is of a lot higher significance.

It was additionally one in all Morocco’s higher performances in Qatar, stuffed with decided defending and canny counters, retaining at bay a set of world stars regardless of shedding key defender Nayef Aguerd to damage earlier than the match and his again 4 associate and captain Romain Saiss early within the second half.

Portugal will see it as a missed alternative in opposition to the lowest-ranked aspect left within the event and a disappointing curtain name for the 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo.

Morocco, once more noisily inspired by the vast majority of the 44,198-strong crowd, mentioned they had been fatigued after their last-16 success over Spain and instantly went into defensive mode as Portugal attacked from the outset.

A fourth-minute free kick for Portugal from extensive on the precise was swung into the penalty space, and met by Joao Felix’s diving header, producing a effective save from Yassine Bounou.

But the availability shortly dried up thereafter as Morocco closed the passing lanes and pissed off the Portuguese attackers.

Joao Felix had two extra half probabilities within the first half however Morocco gained in confidence and located a sudden spring of their step, regularly breaking on the counter assault.

SURGING

Left again Yahya Attiat-Allah made a number of surging runs down the flank, presenting Selim Amallah with a great likelihood within the thirty fifth minute, which he was unable to transform.

But seven minutes later, a excessive ball from the fullback into the Portuguese field was met by a towering header from En-Nesyri, outjumping each goalkeeper Diogo Costa and defender Ruben Dias handy Morocco the lead.

Portuguese frustration was evident as they swarmed the Argentine referee Facundo Tello on the finish of the primary half, complaining that a number of penalty appeals had been turned down.

Morocco got here near a second purpose 4 minutes into the second half as Jawad El Yamiq bought a contact to Hakim Ziyech’s in-swinging free kick however Costa was in place this time to dam.

Ronaldo’s entry within the 51st minute was met with a loud refrain of jeers, however he did inject a brand new vitality into the Portugal aspect for whom Goncalo Ramos, the hat-trick hero of their 6-1 win over Switzerland within the earlier spherical, missed with a close-in header within the 58th minute.

Bruno Fernandes hit excessive of the crossbar 5 minutes later as Portugal threw extra into assault and Morocco started to sit down deeper. Bounou saved once more from Joao Felix with seven minutes left.

Morocco’s Walid Cheddira was despatched off in stoppage time after receiving two yellow playing cards in fast succession.

But his aspect, to the delight of their raucous help, held out for a well-known victory.

-Reuters