Morocco wrote World Cup history as the first African and Arab country to reach the tournament’s semi-finals, continuing their surprise run in Qatar with a shock 1-0 victory over Portugal
DOHA, Dec 10 - Morocco wrote World Cup history on Saturday night as the first African and Arab country to reach the tournament’s semi-finals, continuing their surprise run in Qatar with a shock 1-0 victory over the highly fancied Portugal.
Morocco had already taken the scalps of Belgium and Spain in this tournament but the win over Portugal is of much greater significance. Morocco, again noisily encouraged by the majority of the 44,198-strong crowd, said they were fatigued after their last-16 success over Spain and immediately went into defensive mode as Portugal attacked from the outset.
Joao Felix had two more half chances in the first half but Morocco gained in confidence and found a sudden spring in their step, frequently breaking on the counter attack.Left back Yahya Attiat-Allah made several surging runs down the flank, presenting Selim Amallah with a good chance in the 35th minute, which he was unable to convert.
Morocco came close to a second goal four minutes into the second half as Jawad El Yamiq got a touch to Hakim Ziyech’s in-swinging free kick but Costa was in place this time to block.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Morocco becomes 1st African country to reach World Cup semifinals with 1-0 win over PortugalYoussef En-Nesyri scored the winning goal in the 42nd minute to continue Morocco's improbable run that has generated an outpouring of pride in the Arab world during the first World Cup to be staged in the Middle East.
Read more »
Morocco becomes 1st African country to reach World Cup semifinals with 1-0 win over PortugalMorocco became the first African country to reach the World Cup semifinals by beating Portugal 1-0 to likely end Cristiano Ronaldo's chances of winning soccer's biggest prize.
Read more »
Morocco becomes 1st African country to reach World Cup semifinals with 1-0 win over PortugalMorocco became the first African country to reach the World Cup semifinals by beating Portugal 1-0 to likely end Cristiano Ronaldo's chances of winning soccer's biggest prize.
Read more »
Morocco becomes 1st African country to reach World Cup semifinals with 1-0 win over PortugalMorocco became the first African country to reach the World Cup semifinals by beating Portugal 1-0 to likely end Cristiano Ronaldo's chances of winning soccer's biggest prize.
Read more »
Morocco becomes 1st African country to reach World Cup semifinals with 1-0 win over PortugalMorocco became the first African country to reach the World Cup semifinals by beating Portugal 1-0 to likely end Cristiano Ronaldo's chances of winning soccer's biggest prize.
Read more »
Morocco becomes 1st African country to reach World Cup semifinals with 1-0 win over PortugalMorocco became the first African country to reach the World Cup semifinals by beating Portugal 1-0 to likely end Cristiano Ronaldo's chances of winning soccer's biggest prize.
Read more »