Morocco have scripted history by being the first African nation to qualify for the semi-final of the FIFA World Cup 2022. They defeated Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal to script one of the most dramatic upsets in World Cup history.
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Lionel Messi‘s Argentina were subject to much ridicule after they were defeated in their first group stage match by Saudi Arabia. But this time it is his eternal rival Ronaldo who has to bite the dust. Morocco also became the first side since South Korea in 2002 to win their first ever quarter-final encounter and qualify into the semis.
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Morocco began the match as the clear underdogs with Portugal starting fresh from their 6-1 destruction of Switzerland. However, Walid Regragui’s men had shown their potential after 1-1 (3-1 penalties) upset over Spain.
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The game began even with both sides having chances. Portugal came very close in the 31st minute but were unable to score. An opportunity presented itself for Morocco when an aerial pass came Youssef En-Nesyri‘s way and he promptly deposited the ball into the nets before goalie Diego Costa could save it.
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The second half saw Portugal’s talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo return to the field for the second time in the knockout. The former Manchester United player, who had been in the news for his interview with Piers Morgan and his subsequent exit from Manchester United, was likely playing his last World Cup match.
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However, his presence changed little as Portugal kept pressing for the goal but failed to find it. The last few minutes of the game saw feverish action as Moroccan forward Walid Cheddira sent of the field after earning two yellow cards in quick succession (red card). A late header effort by skipper Pepe went long and ensured that Morocco begun Africa’s association with the last four of the World Cup in style.
The Atlas Lions will certainly celebrate hard but would also keep a keen eye on the marquee match up between defending champions France and 2020 Euro Cup finalists England, who also played in the semi-finals in 2018.
