History Beckons As Morocco Become First African Nation In World Cup S-Final
- Defeat Portugal 1-0 in quarter-final
- It’s end of the road for Cristiano Ronaldo
Morocco have made history by becoming the first African country to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup following their hard-earned 1-0 victory over Portugal.
In their historic march to the last four stage of the global tournament, it was Youssef En-Nesyri who scored the all-important goal for the North Africans as they withstood great pressure from the Portuguese to emerge victorious.
The Moroccans’ moment of glory came when En-Nesyri headed in Yahya Attiat-Allah’s cross in the 42nd minute as Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa failed to deal with the aerial ball.
The tall striker showed great centre-forward play slotting in between Portugal defenders Ruben Dias and Pepe, as he jumped highest to meet the cross and nod it home.
As the match dragged into eight minutes of added time, the Atlas Lions withstood great pressure from the Portuguese, putting up another impressive defensive display to keep their opponents at bay.
Clearing everything that was thrown their way, the North Africans were also helped by the heroics of goalkeeper Yassine Bounou as they kept their fourth clean sheet in five games.
With little of the ball in their possession, Morocco utilised what they could, while strongly resisting the temptation to get out of their shape as the front three constantly tracked back to help out defensively.
With this victory, Morocco have entered the record books as the first African country to ever reach the World Cup semi-finals, following several failed and painful attempts.
Also kudos to Defender Jawad El Yamiq thrown into the deep end in what was his first start at the tournament. Surprisingly, the Valladolid man looked assured alongside captain Romain Saiss, clearing danger in the air and on the ground all through regulation and added time.
Floating an impressive record of dealing with Croatia, Belgium, Spain and now Portugal, the Moroccans cannot now be ruled out of going all the way in Qatar.
They now lie in wait to take on the winner between France and England in the last semi-final game.
