MOROCCO produced another big upset at the Qatar 2022 World Cup today by defeating Portugal 1-0 in their quarter-final clash at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha.
The victory took Morocco to the semi-finals, making them the first African team in World Cup history to reach that stage.
Only Cameroon, Senegal and Ghana had reached the quarter-finals before from the continent.
Youssef En-Nesyri scored the game’s only goal in the first half and the Atlas Lions held on for the famous victory despite having one of their players sent off.
After having beaten Belgium and Spain earlier in the tournament, Morocco went into today’s clash brimming with confidence, and they were not intimidated by Portugal’s credentials.
The Atlas Lions fought bravely for every ball, defended with no compromise and their forward players caused the Portugal defence problems.
The North Africans were rewarded for their endeavour with three minutes left in the first half, En-Nesyri leaping majestically to head a high ball past Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Portugal almost equalised instantly as Morocco panicked after taking the lead, but they survived the onslaught to preserve their advantage until half-time.
Legendary striker Cristiano Ronaldo had been left on the bench for the second consecutive game, but he was brought on just six minutes into the second half in place of midfielder Ruben Neves as Portugal sought to fight their way back.
The changes — Rafa Leao and Ricardo Horta were also thrown on — had little effect though as Morocco defended resolutely and proved why they have conceded only one goal in Qatar.
Even when their captain and leader Romain Saiss had to go off with an injury and Walid Cheddira was given a red card for two quick bookings, Morocco did not buckle.
With the landmark victory, Morocco became only the third team from outside South America and Europe to reach a World Cup semi-final, after the United States of America in 1930 and South Korea in 2002.
They will face either England or France in the semi-finals on Wednesday.
