FIFA World Cup: Morocco stuns Portugal 1-0, first African nation to qualify for semis
Al Thumama (Qatar), December 10: Morocco became the first African country to reach the World Cup's last four after defeating Portugal 1-0 in the quarterfinals on Saturday.
The African nation staged a massive upset to knock Portugal out of the World Cup as they held onto their one-goal lead at halftime to book a maiden slot in the FIFA World Cup semifinals. A resilient Morocco found the back of the net through Youssef El-Nesyri in the 42nd minute. The forward went airborne and headed the cross from Attiyat Allah to give his side the advantage which proved fatal for Portugal.
Morocco bettered their record against Portugal after the win having won two of their three matches. The loss for Portugal will be very disappointing for Ronaldo who has probably played his last World Cup given his age.
Morocco's World Cup run continued and they now await the outcome of the match between France or England.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who came on as a second-half substitute, was unable to make a difference. The forward left the pitch in tears with his World Cup dream ending in this edition.
Morocco overcame expectations and challenges to reach the semi-finals, defeating Croatia, Belgium, Spain, and now Portugal. The Atlas Lions are now two steps away from glory.
Portugal went all out but Morocco overcame tiredness, injury, and nervousness in the knockout game to earn a remarkable victory. The team held the European side for a memorable win.
Earlier, a resilient Morocco found the back of the net through Youssef El-Nesyri in the 42nd minute at the Al Thumama Stadium here. The forward went airborne and headed the cross from Attiyat Allah to give his side the advantage at the end of the first half.
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- ANI
