Morocco’s remarkable World Cup campaign has reached new heights after the Atlas Lions beat Portugal 1-0 to become the first Arab and African country to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.
Youssef En Nesyri’s superb header in the 42nd minute proved the difference for manager Walid Regragui’s side, who on Saturday capped a remarkable performance in Qatar with a strong defensive display that has now seen them play for more than seven hours of football without conceding to a rival.
Even Walid Cheddira’s red card in the third minute of extra time could not take the edge off their victory against the odds, which sparked huge cheers among the tens of thousands of Morocco fans packed into the stadium Al Thumama
The classy Portugal, who had dominated possession throughout, proved unable to unlock their opponents’ back line despite all their possession and the call-up of record goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo from the substitutes’ bench shortly after rest.
The five-time World Player of the Year will end his career without ever capturing the World Cup or reaching the finals, but his appearance on the bench saw him become the joint all-time leading scorer in the world of men’s international football. with 196 caps.
Morocco, whose improbable run has given the Arab world great pride in the first World Cup to be held in the Middle East, will now face either England or France in the semi-finals on 14 December.
Argentina and Croatia meet in the last four the day before.
Morocco will now face either England or France in the semi-finals on December 14 [Showkat Shafi/Al Jazeera]
Resolute defense, shrewd counters
Morocco had already scalped Belgium and Spain in this tournament, but the win against Portugal is much more important.
It marked one of the team’s best performances in Qatar, full of determined defending and shrewd counter-attacks, keeping a collection of global stars at bay despite losing key defender Nayef Aguerd to injury before the game and fellow four and captain Romain Saiss at the start. the second half.
Portugal will see it as a missed opportunity against the lowest-ranked team remaining in the tournament and a disappointing call-up for 37-year-old Ronaldo.
Morocco, cheered again by the majority of the 44,198 crowd, said they were tired after their last-16 success against Spain and immediately went into defensive mode as Portugal attacked from the start.
A free-kick in the fourth minute for Portugal from the right wing was sent into the penalty area and was met by Joao Felix’s header, which produced a fine save from Yassine Bounou.
But the supply quickly dried up after Morocco closed down passing lanes and frustrated the Portuguese attackers.
Joao Félix had two more half-chances in the first half, but Morocco gained confidence and found a sudden spring in their step, breaking frequently on the counter-attack.
Morocco fans generated an electric atmosphere at Al Thumama Stadium during Saturday’s clash [Showkat Shafi/Al Jazeera]
Second half drama
Left-back Yahya Attiat-Allah made several runs down the wing and gave Selim Amallah a good chance in the 35th minute, which he failed to convert.
But seven minutes later, a high ball from the full-back into the Portuguese box was met by En Nesyri’s lofted header, which beat both goalkeeper Diogo Costa and defender Ruben Dias to put Morocco ahead .
Portuguese frustration was evident as late in the first half, Argentine referee Facundo Tello complained that several penalty appeals had been turned down.
Morocco came close to a second goal four minutes into the second half when Jawad El Yamiq took a touch from Hakim Ziyech’s free-kick, but Costa was on hand this time to block.
Ronaldo’s 51st-minute entry was met with a loud chorus of jeers, but it injected new energy into a Portuguese side that was led by Goncalo Ramos, the hat-trick hero in their 6-1 win over Switzerland in the previous round , failed with a close. – from around the 58th minute.
Bruno Fernandes struck over the crossbar five minutes later as Portugal threw more into attack and Morocco began to sit deeper. Bounou saved Joao Felix again with seven minutes remaining as his rivals increased the pressure.
But the Atlas Lions rearguard proved enough as they took a famous victory to the delight of their raucous support.