Morocco Creates History with a Shocking Victory Over Portugal

As a result of eliminating Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo in the quarterfinals, Morocco has become the first African team to go to a World Cup semifinal.

WITH A SHOCKING VICTORY OVER PORTUGAL TO GET TO THE SEMIFINALS, MOROCCO CREATES HISTORY

YOUSSED SCORED THE ONLY GOAL

Youssef En-Nesyri scored the only goal in a thrilling 1-0 victory at Al Thumama, keeping Portugal out of the playoffs for the first time in 16 years.

Morocco, who had substitute Walid Cheddira dismissed late, advanced to a semifinal matchup against either France or England on Wednesday at Al-Bayt Stadium, where they will once more have the fervent support of the crowd that helped them defeat Portugal. 1. Morocco shocks Portugal, making history

FIRST MUSLIM TEAM TO MAKE THE FIFA SEMEFINILEST

By becoming the first African or Arab team to make it to the World Cup semifinals, Morocco dealt a severe blow to African and Arab football. They were just hoping to get to the round of 16 after changing coaches just months before the event and being placed in a group containing Belgium and Croatia, but what they accomplished in Qatar is nothing short of incredible.

Just days after shocking Spain in the second round, Portugal’s shocking triumph at Al Thumama was played out in a setting filled with loud whistles each time they possessed the ball. And they had a lot of it—they had as much as 80% of the ball at various moments in the game—but Morocco played strong defence and, especially in the first half, took use of their opportunities to break swiftly.

GOALKEEPERS

Moroccan goalkeeper En-header Nesyri’s shortly before halftime was assisted by a slip-up by Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who came for a cross he got nowhere near. However, Morocco was so confident with the ball when they had it that they thoroughly deserved their lead when it came.

Despite not having three of their typical back four on the field at the end of the game, Morocco advanced to the semifinals with just one goal allowed in five games—and even that was an own goal against Canada. Yahya Attiyat-Allah embodies the soul of Morocco.

The fact that Morocco had to select a lineup without Bayern Munich fullback Noussair Mazraoui and West Ham center-back Nayef Aguerd after they both left the game against Spain injured was a big setback for Morocco.

Coach Walid Regragui chose Yahya Attiyat-Allah, a 27-year-old left back who has played the majority of his career in Morocco aside from a brief stint in Greece, to replace Mazraoui at left back. Although it appeared to be a significant downgrade on paper, it wasn’t.

Diogo Dalot, who had assists against South Korea and Switzerland from right-back. He was pushing by Attiyat-Allah, who was earning just his eighth cap. Attiyat-Allah then moved forward and crossed the ball for En-Nesyri to score just before halftime. Attiyat-Allah completed a swift comeback with a lung-ripping run off the edge of their own box, making it nearly 2-0.

Portugal’s right flank has been solid throughout the World Cup thanks to Dalot and Bruno Fernandes. In addition to eliminating the threat, Atiyat His Allah also posed a new one. Leguragi may be difficult to choose if Mazrawi deserves to advance to the semifinals, but he is undoubtedly please.

SLOWDOWN CAUSED BY PORTUGAL AND CRISTIANO RONALDO

Portugal started the match averaging three goals against Qatar. But failed to score against Morocco despite having the majority of the ball. At the World Cup Fernando had eight different players score for his Santos team. But it wasn’t the right time for most of them to take a break.

Joo had strong chances for Felix and Gonzalo for both Ramos. Also Fernández hit the crossbar. But they lacked the elegant attacking approach that tore Switzerland to pieces. Although Dalot was a threat from right back against South Korea and Switzerland, he only sporadically finding space to advance here due to Bernardo Silva’s shoddy passing and Fernandes’ frequent encirclement. Although Morocco deserves a lot of credit for making it so difficult for Portugal to produce anything of significance. This was a horrible day for Portugal, who have experienced both good and bad days at this tournament.

Even though Cristiano Ronaldo, who was once again name to the bench. This entered the game early in the second half to tie the FIFA record. This is for the most caps by a male player (196). He was unable to find one more memorable World Cup moment. If this is one of the greatest players in history’s final appearance on this platform. It was a very subservient way to leave.

When questioned about his choice to bench his captain, Santos responded that even with the benefit of hindsight. He wouldn’t change his mind. “I think this was a team which perform very well against Switzerland.” No regrets. Because Cristiano Ronaldo is a fantastic player and was brought in when we felt it was require.

Portugal had the talent, but lacked the performance, to make their first semifinal appearance since 2006.

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