Doha: Morocco made World Cup history on Saturday night, becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals of the tournament, continuing their astonishing run with a 1-0 win over impressive Portugal in Qatar.
Youssef N Nesri leaped high into the air to score the game’s only goal just before half-time at the Al-Thama Stadium in a major blow against football’s established order and book Wednesday’s semi-final against either England or France. Who will meet later on Saturday.
The result will be widely celebrated across Africa and the Arabic-speaking Middle East, who are eager to see one of their teams in contention for football’s biggest prize.
Morocco had already beaten Belgium and Spain in the tournament, but a win against Portugal was even more important.
It was one of Morocco’s best performances in Qatar, full of resolute defense and reliable counters, despite losing key defender Naif Eguiard and his back four teammates and captain Romain Sais to injury before the match. A collection of world stars kept away. The other half
Portugal will see it as a missed opportunity against the lowest-ranked team in the tournament and a disappointing curtain call for 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo.
Morocco, once again vociferously cheered on by the majority of the 44,198-strong crowd, said they were tired after their last-16 success against Spain and immediately went into defensive mode as Portugal Attacked from the start.
A fourth-minute free-kick for Portugal entered the penalty area from the right, and Joao Felix’s diving header drew a fine save from Yassin Bono.
But supplies quickly dried up after that as Morocco blocked the passageways and frustrated the Portuguese invaders.
Joao Felix had two more chances in the first half but Morocco regained confidence and found a sudden spring in their step, often breaking the counter-attack.
Growing up
Left-back Yahya Atiyaullah made several quick runs in the 35th minute, setting up a good chance for Salim Ummullah, which he failed to convert.
But seven minutes later, a high ball from a full-back into the Portuguese box was met by Anne Neisseri’s powerful header, which beat both goalkeeper Diego Costa and defender Ruben Dias to give Morocco the lead.
The Portuguese’s frustration was palpable as they heckled Argentina referee Facundo Tello at the end of the first half, complaining that multiple penalty appeals had been turned down.
Morocco came close to a second goal four minutes into the second half when Jawad El Yamq got a touch to Hakim Ziyech’s in-swinging free-kick, but Costa was in place to block this time.
Ronaldo’s introduction in the 51st minute was met with loud boos, but he injected new energy into a Portugal side that had failed to get Goncalo Ramos, a hat-trick hero in a 6-1 win over Switzerland in the previous round. A close-in header in the 58th minute.
Bruno Fernandes hit the top of the crossbar five minutes later as Portugal attacked more and Morocco settled deeper. Buono again saved from Joao Felix with seven minutes remaining.
Morocco’s Walid Chedira was sent off in stoppage time after receiving two consecutive yellow cards.
But from his side, in the joy of his overwhelming support, held out for a famous victory.
