The players of the Moroccan national team celebrate the historic qualification
The Moroccan national team became the first Arab and African team to qualify for the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup, and also knocked out the dreams of Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo, crowning the world title, which he has eluded throughout his football career.
Youssef Al-Nasri scored the only goal of the match, after climbing above Portuguese goalkeeper, Diego Costa, and headed the ball into the net, clearing the throat of thousands of cheering fans at Al-Thumama Stadium.
Ronaldo came on as a substitute in the 50th minute of the match, equaling the most appearances for the national team, with a total of 196 caps, but failed to change the outcome of the match.
The Moroccan national team relied on counter-attacks, leaving ball possession to the Portuguese national team.
Walid Al-Rakraki’s puppies were able to open the registration door with Youssef Al-Nusairi’s boss, receiving a distribution from his colleague, Yahya Atiyatallah.
Bruno Fernandez came close to equalizing within minutes when his ball hit Moroccan goalkeeper Yassin Bounou’s horizontal crossbar.
The Morocco national team relied on defense after the team captain and centre-back, Roman Sayes was injured and Hakim Zayas was also injured.
However, he showed tight organization and great danger on counter-attacks, as he missed at least two chances to delve into the difference in the closing minutes of the match, through substitute Walid Shadira, who was sent off.
Bono coped brilliantly with Joao Felix’s attempt to fix the score in stoppage time.
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Morocco was the only team from outside Europe and South America to reach the quarterfinals of the Qatar World Cup.
Morocco surprised football fans with their impressive level, leading Group F, which included two of the top candidates for the title, Croatia and Belgium, before ousting Spain, who won the World Cup in South Africa 2010.
The Atlas Lions have only scored once, at the World Cup in Qatar.
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And later on Saturday night, holders France take on England – the first time the sides have met in the knockout stages of a competition.
Morocco are expected to play the winners of the England-France match in the semi-final next Wednesday at the Khalifa International Stadium.
On Friday, Argentina and Croatia qualified for the semi-finals, beating the Netherlands and Brazil respectively on penalties.
