Morocco head coach Walid Legragi celebrates after his team’s victory over Portugal in Doha, Qatar, December 10, 2022.
Justin Setterfield | Getty Images Sports | Getty Images
Morocco became the first African country to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup, with Youssef En-Nesyri’s first-half winner adding Portugal to the list of shocked teams in Qatar.
Striker En Nesiri benefited from a mistake by Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa to send home not just Waleed Legraghi’s team, but a historic strike for the entire African continent.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s 51st-minute introduction – again left on the bench by his manager Fernando Santos – saw Bruno Fernandes hit the crossbar and Goncalo Ramos and Bernardo Silva missed targets from good positions. It failed to inspire a Portuguese comeback.
Morocco demanded a heroic play from goalkeeper Bono in the second half, saving João Felix and Ronaldo. Pepe missed the sitter in his final minute of eight minutes of injury time.
Morocco’s stunning run to the last four, beating Belgium, Spain and Portugal and conceding just one own goal in five World Cup games, sets up a semi-final clash with the blockbuster quarter-final winners of England and France To do.
How Morocco made history with a new shock
Fresh from a 6-1 victory over Switzerland in their last 16 games, Portugal started the game brightly with João Felix creating several chances in the first half.
The forward headed Bono early on and saw it land over the Moroccan goalkeeper’s net before flashing the first finish off the edge of the area when it was found on acres of space. did.
Match moment…
- 5 mins: João Félix misses the first of three big chances in the first half by hitting Bono straight from a free-kick.
- 42 mins: Youssef En-Nesyri beat Diogo Costa with the ball and head home to the eventual winners.
- 45 mins: Bruno Fernandes hits the bar and sees a penalty appeal denied moments later.
- 51 mins: Cristiano Ronaldo enters the field just after Hakim Ziyech makes it 2-0.
- 58: After a cross from Otavio, Gonzalo Ramos runs a free header wide across the goal.
- 83 min: Bono deflects a João Felix goal-bound shot into the top corner of the net.
- 90+1 mins: Ronaldo fends off the Moroccan defense, but a low shot is saved by Bono.
- 90+4: Walid Chedira sent off for Morocco with two yellow cards.
- 90+7: Pepe gives Portugal one last big chance with a header from close range
- Full-time: Cristiano Ronaldo leaves the pitch in tears
Meanwhile, the Fernando Santos-led team were warned of an aerial threat when En Nesyri headed a free shot from the corner. Meanwhile, Selim He Amarah and Sofian Bufal approached in quick succession, but neither could find a target.
Ultimately, Morocco’s resilience paid off three minutes before half-time when Portuguese goalkeeper Costa caught Atiyat Allah’s long-dangling ball from the left, collided with his own defender at Diaz, and en Nesiri scored. nodded at home.
Youssef En Nesyri scored for Morocco in their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter-final match against Portugal on 10 December 2022 in Doha, Qatar.
Justin Setterfield | Getty Images Sports | Getty Images
After the first half, Fernández slammed a dipping volley into the crossbar before referee Facundo Tello fired a penalty to score.
Morocco started the second period strongly, with Hakim Ziyech testing Costa’s gloves from a free-kick. This was a big chance that prompted him to introduce Ronaldo in the 51st minute.
But it was Gonzalo Ramos who had the big chance right after Ronaldo’s entry, heading wide the opening cross of Otavio’s defense from inside the box.
Bernardo Silva scored the equalizer for the second time in a row but failed to connect in the box after a clever free-kick move after crouching from the edge of the area.
But there were no such chances compared to the three that Portugal dropped in the last ten minutes. First, Felix’s sharp drive into the front corner was overturned by Bono. Bono had to match Ronaldo’s low effort as the 37-year-old ran past him one-on-one.
Morocco had a breakthrough from Zakaria Abhlal and were looking for a second, but his clumsy chip was easily saved by Costa.
The full-time whistle sparked a scene of jubilation from the Moroccan players and thousands of supporters in the stands.Ronaldo, meanwhile, was quick to tear up in what is likely to be his final World Cup appearance. and marched from the pitch.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal reacts during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter-final match against Morocco on December 10, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.
Patrick Smith | FIFA | Getty Images
Pepe furious at Argentinian referee
Portuguese defender Pepe has criticized the appointment of Argentine referee Tello after the Argentine player commented on the referee and added time during Friday’s quarter-final win over the Netherlands.
Argentina equalized at the end of the 11th minute of stoppage time and leveled. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez claimed referee Antonio Mateu Lajos wanted the Netherlands to score, but captain Lionel Messi was also critical.
Pepe says Terror’s appointment in this match should not have been approved.Argentina is still in the tournament.
“We conceded an unexpected goal… but I have to say, it’s unacceptable for an Argentinian referee to referee our game,” said Pepe. “After what happened yesterday, Messi speaks, the whole of Argentina speaks, the referee is here.
“How did the second half go? The goalkeeper kept falling to the ground. There were only eight minutes of stoppage time. We worked hard and the referee did. [gave] 80%?
“We didn’t play anything in the second half. We were the only ones playing football. It’s a shame. We had what it takes to win the World Cup and we didn’t do it. I didn’t.”
“The players are suffering,” said Portugal coach Fernando Santos, dismissing questions about his future, adding that he did not regret not starting Ronaldo.
“Cristiano is a great player and he came when we needed him. But no, I have no regrets.”
Meanwhile, Moroccan goalkeeper Bono said: “Pinch me, I’m dreaming.
“Morocco are ready to face anyone in the world. We have changed the mindset of the generation that will come after us. They will know that Moroccan players can do miracles. prize.”
Most Valuable Player — Sofiane Amrabat (Morocco)
Moroccan metronome Sofiane Amrabat touched the ball only 32 times in 90 minutes.
Sofiane Amrabat celebrates Morocco’s victory over Portugal at the World Cup in Doha, Qatar on December 10, 2022.
Eric Verhoeven | Socrates Images | Getty Images Sports | Getty Images
But what this midfielder has done on rare occasions with the ball has been phenomenal and has helped take the pressure off Morocco’s backline.
Amrabat had eight ball recoveries and three tackles, but also showed the ability to carry the ball forward.
Simply put, Amrabat is everywhere in Morocco, staking a real claim to being selected as the player of the tournament.
“Don’t take Morocco lightly”
Sky Sports’ Graeme Soness told ITV:
“Morocco was great – it was a mirror of the Spanish game [which they won on penalties].
“In terms of defending the box, they were sensational. In terms of hard work, organization and determination, they were a credit to their country.”
“Don’t underestimate them. They won’t be another Morocco next time. They will play exactly the same.”
“They had a game plan that worked well. Every time the Portuguese took the ball, they regained their numbers. I don’t mind saying that, but they always bring the other team to their side. , usually one person falls asleep’ dangerous. Nobody did that.
“In the case of Argentina, France and England, if you ask them and get an answer, they will be happy to see Morocco get there. It could be a mistake.”
What do the results mean?
Morocco They advance to the World Cup semi-finals, which kick off on Wednesday 14th December at 7pm GMT. If they win, the World Cup final will take place on Sunday 18 December at 3pm GMT.
The African side will face the next winner. England When France‘s quarter-finals start Saturday night at 7pm GMT.
