Morocco has continued its shocking run to becoming the first African nation to reach the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinals after defeating Portugal in the quarterfinals by 1-0 at the Al Thumama stadium.
Each of the previous three African sides to reach a quarter-final were all eliminated at this stage – Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010.
It was a strong start for Morocco, scoring just before half-time when Youssef En-Nesyri beat the Portuguese keeper to a cross to head home.
Morocco fans celebrate win over Portugal. Pic: AP
Star striker Cristiano Ronaldo, who had started the game on the bench, was brought on early in the second half as Portugal searched for an equaliser.
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But despite coming under sustained pressure for large parts of the second half, the Atlas Lions held firm and had a chance in injury time to score a second.
Image: Players throw Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui. Pic: AP
Morocco forward Walid Cheddira was given two yellow cards in the space of seconds, forcing his side to see the game out the final minutes with 10 men.
Image: Morocco’s Jawad El Yamiq celebrates Pic: AP
A dejected Ronaldo left the pitch in tears and looked inconsolable as he made his way down the tunnel.
Image: Ronaldo left the pitch in tears. Pic: AP
The eyes of the world will now turn to England’s quarter-final match against France this evening, with kick-off scheduled for 7pm.
Outstanding Outing: Morocco, ranked 22nd in the world, has been in scintillating form in the FIFA World Cup 2022. They were perceived as underdogs in most of their fixtures but always found a way to win the game against their opponents and they became the first African team to top a FIFA World Cup group since Nigeria in 1998.
Major Defeats: Morocco has now defeated World Cup favourites like Belgium, Portugal and also Spain in the Round of 16 of the competition and is yet to concede a goal from an opposition player.
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Their win guarantees Africa 11 slots in the 2026 World Cup. 9 permanent slots, one via playoff and the last one because they reached the semifinal.
Upcoming Semifinals: Their win against Portugal guaranteed them a semifinal spot which will be against the winner in the quarterfinal match involving England and France. The semifinal will be played on Wednesday, 14th of December by 8 pm WAT.
Rishi Sunak and the French president joked on Twitter together ahead of the game.
Emmanuel Macron tweeted: “Dear Rishi Sunak looking forward to the game tonight. If Les Bleus win (they will!), you’ll wish us luck in the semi-final… right?”
The prime minister responded: “Hopefully I won’t have to. But you’ve got a deal.
“Look forward to you getting behind the Three Lions in the next round.”
https://twitter.com/RishiSunak/status/1601607055327907841?s=20&t=GLtFxq7kL2SklMcLE3ah3w
