Morocco produced the latest shock in a World Cup filled with surprises by beating Belgium thanks to late goals from Abdelhamid Sabri and Zakaria Aboukhalal.
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was at fault for the first goal, allowing Sabry’s in-swinging free-kick to beat him at his near post with 17 minutes remaining.
But Belgium’s entire side paid the price for a brilliant performance, Morocco’s second-half highlight when Aboukhalal headed Hakim Ziyech’s cut-back into the roof of the net in stoppage time.
It sparked wild celebrations in the stands of Al Thamma Stadium from thousands of Moroccan fans, who had created a raucous atmosphere from the start.
The result means Morocco move above Belgium on four points, with Croatia now top of Group F on goal difference as their 4-1 win dashed Canada’s promotion hopes.
Early on, some surprises seemed on the cards. After surviving the ultra-fast and helter-skelter approach of their first opponents in Group F – Canada – Belgium’s initial task this time was to break down Morocco’s formidable defence.
They managed it inside the first five minutes, when Thorgan Hazard sent Michy Batshuayi running clear, only to be denied by Mounir Mohammadi, who was late on in Morocco’s goal after Bono fell ill in the warm-up. There were alternatives.
It looked like it would just be the start of some sustained Belgian pressure, but while they dominated possession, further clear-cut chances were few and far between.
With their raucous fans, who were bouncing around the Al Thomama Stadium in large numbers, Morocco held them comfortably and began to grow into the game themselves.
They thought they had taken the lead just before half-time when Zech’s free-kick sent Courtois out, but the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) showed Romain Ciss was offside and the Belgium goalkeeper’s eyes were wide. was interfering with play after running across the line.
Roberto Martinez’s side did not improve after the break, managing only shots from distance from the ineffective Eden Hazard and substitute Dries Mertens.
Morocco, meanwhile, were getting as lively as their supporters in the stands and came close to taking the lead when Sofiane Boufl cut in from the left and fired a shot wide.
They kept coming forward and were rewarded when Sabri’s clever free-kick found Courtois again diving at the set-piece. This time, there was no VAR to save him.
The closest Belgium came to an equalizer was when Jan Vertonghen headed wide, before Abou Khalal finished off a fast break to secure a stunning victory.
Belgium looked the best in second place
Belgium’s upset win over Canada in their opening game means their path to the last 16 is still open, albeit less straightforward than expected.
But it was another reminder that the generation of players who reached the World Cup semi-finals four years ago is nearing the end of the road.
They disintegrated going forward, with Batshuayi ineffective in attack and Romelu Lukaku only fit enough for a brief role in the closing moments.
Even Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne was unable to inspire in midfield and at the back, experienced duo Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld were terrorized by the pace of the Moroccan attack as their side chased the game. was
They looked nothing like the second-ranked team in the world and were second-best by Morocco, who are 20 places below.
