Qatar 2022: Morocco make World Cup history after beating Portugal in quarter-finals
Morocco have made history by becoming the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals after beating Portugal 1-0 at the Al Thumama Stadium on Saturday.
Youssef En-Nesyri’s first half header was enough to see Walid Regragui’s side through, and to send Cristiano Ronaldo and co. home from Qatar.
The Atlas Lions once again showcased their incredible defensive solidity, despite having a myriad of injuries to deal with, especially in their back four.
Portugal had their moments either side of half-time, with Bruno Fernades rattling the bar, Yassine Bounou producing some superb saves to deny Joao Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo, and Pepe heading wide in stoppage time when it seemed easier to scorer.
But the Atlas Lions could also have scored more than that solitary, all-important El-Nesyri header, and no-one can question that this team – fresh from boosting their tournament-leading defensive record with yet another clean sheet – are well worth their place in the last four.
There will be better goals scored at this World Cup than En-Nesyri’s. It is unlikely, however, that there will be one scored from a mightier leap – one that Ronaldo, benched again, would undoubtedly have been proud of – than that produced by the Morocco striker.
Diogo Costa will not want to watch it back, having made an ill-advised rush from goal in a vain attempt to reach a long, speculative cross. But all credit goes to the centre-forward for a perfectly timed jump and powerful header that sparked scenes of joy far beyond this rocking stadium.
Morocco will now face defending champions France in Wednesday’s semi-final at the Al Bayt Stadium, and nothing is impossible for this history-making squad.
Belgium, Spain and Portugal are among the sides they have now conquered, so Regragui’s men will fear nobody.
For Portugal, Fernando Santos’ job will be in serious jeopardy, as their Euro 2016 winning manager has underperformed since bringing home that trophy in France six years ago, and for a squad with as much quality as they have, more was expected.
Two round of 16 exits in 2018 and 2020, and now a quarter-final defeat to a very unfancied side may spell the end of Santos’ time in charge.
