Morocco continued their stunning run with a 1-0 win over Portugal that makes them the first World Cup semi-finalists from the continents of Africa. Ever. That major milestone in history was achieved with exactly the same methods that beat Spain in the last round. Mainly hard work and organisation, which is what makes Walid Regragui’s team so difficult to beat.
This time it was Youssef En-Nesyri who became the hero with the only goal of the game, leaping highest as Diogo Costa came out to claim a cross. The Sevilla striker is not known for his goal-scoring ability but with jets in his heels, he pulled off a Cristiano Ronaldo-esque leap to head the ball home. It was a remarkable jump that left the Portuguese superstar astounded on the bench, and the stadium absolutely bouncing.
It was no less than Regragui’s men deserved and from that point, they simply did what they have done so well in this tournament so far. Defended for their lives. They ran for everything, they fought for every ball. It was one of the most impressive defensive displays we have seen in Qatar this tournament.
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Cristiano Ronaldo heads home having failed to make an impact from the bench in the second half, and his career is now sure to end without football's biggest prize. He hasn’t even scored a knockout goal at any World Cup, while his fierce nemesis Lionel Messi is still alive and kicking at this tournament.
Portugal looked to have found the winning formula without Ronaldo in the last round, but having picked an unnamed team, they were beaten by this remarkable Moroccan outfit. The Al Thumama Stadium had its issues again and was half empty at kick-off due to trouble getting in but still Morocco brought the noise. It’s their support that has helped carry their country to this remarkable moment in history.
The first half was an even match-up and Morocco provided a decent threat. Joao Felix got his head to a free-kick that was palmed away early on before Youssef Selim Amallah headed over unmarked from a Morocco corner. It was a huge chance for the African side to take the lead, but one that slipped by.
The Atlas Lions came out to counter with far more attacking intent than they showed against Spain as Ziyech tried his luck from range but dragged one wide. Felix then almost opened the score as his effort from outside the box was deflected just over the bar.
Morocco put together a wonderful flowing passing move before they cut the ball back for Amallah, but he half-volleyed his effort over the bar.
Then, minutes before the break, they broke the deadlock with that all-important goal.. Diogo Costa’s error was En-Nesyri’s big moment, and he took full advantage with jets in his heels, pulled off a Cristiano Ronaldo-esque leap to head the ball home. It was a remarkable jump that left the Portuguese superstar astounded on the bench, and the stadium was absolutely bouncing. It was no less than Walid Regragui’s men deserved.
Bruno Fernandes crashed the bar with an unbelievable effort but this is a Morocco team that have proved they are far more than just a well-organised outfit, and for the majority of the first half, they were the better side.
Fernandes then went down in the box under a soft challenge that the referee waved away before Yahia Attiyat Allah fired a great chance wide seconds before the break. It was a half that came to the boil nicely, and ended with Portuguese protests, but the Atlas Lions led at half-time.
At half-time, Morocco joined Cameroon and Ghana as African sides 45 minutes away from a semi-final, but would smash through the glass ceiling they couldn’t break.
Ziyech whipped in a wonderful free-kick that somehow the Portuguese keeper kept out before Cristiano Ronaldo was introduced, along with Joao Cancelo, just five minutes after the break. This time his nation needed him to perform a rescue mission
Otavio chipped one in for Ramos but he headed wide as Morocco sat deeper and deeper. It was how they kept Spain out for 120 minutes in the last 16 but Fernandes fired one over from the edge of the box. With 20 minutes to go, it was one-way traffic from Portugal, and all-out defence from Morocco.
Ronaldo laid one off to Felix who fired in a left footed effort that looked destined for the top corner but somehow, Yassine Bounou, penalty hero in the last round, got to it to tip it over the bar. It was the fiercest rearguard action we have seen in this tournament, as Portugal threw everything at this stubborn defence.
Eight added minutes saw a Ronaldo effort saved before Walid Cheddira was sent off after a second yellow card to encourage the Portuguese forward even further. Morocco even missed a one-on-one that should have sealed it before Pepe headed a golden chance wide. But somehow, Morocco have done it. Again.
Ronaldo was left in tears in the tunnel, but this isn't about him. It's about a genuine moment that has tipped the axis of world football.
Morocco. World Cup semi-finalists.
