A first half goal clearly placed the Atlas Lions of Morocco ahead of the Portuguese national team at the end of regulation time to make history and dispatch their opponents home in the on-going world cup tournament in Qatar.
The quarter-final encounter which took place at the Al Thumama Stadium on Saturday makes Morocco the first African team to progress to the semi finals at the World Cup.
The North Africans scored the only goal of the encounter through Youssef En-Nesyri’s header, with the striker scoring his second goal of Qatar 2022 and third World Cup goal overall.
Portugal seems to have had better chances in the early exchanges with Joao Felix needing a flying header saved before seeing a shot deflected agonizingly wide of the top corner.
Morocco settled in thereafter and kept grafting towards attack before taking the lead minutes before half-time through En-Neyseri.
Cristiano Ronaldo came off the bench six minutes after the break but was unable to help his team avoid defeat, with Morocco coming out as the winner to seal a semi-final showdown with either England or France, expected to play later Saturday.
Morocco’s Walid Cheddira was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession in extra time, meaning he will miss the semi-final.
Morocco advanced into the semi-final for the first time in their World Cup history.
The Atlas Lions will square off with the winner of the tie between England and France on Wednesday night.
They also have the best defence record in the world cup as they haven’t conceded any goal since the tournament started and haven’t been scored in their last 17 matches.
