In 2006, the surprise was Ukraine. Four years later, Spain put its name on the World Cup trophy cabinet for the first time. Costa Rica stunned the planet in 2014 until they lost in a penalty shootout in the quarterfinals against the Netherlands. In 2018, Croatia made an appearance in the final. Now, Morocco is continuing this seemingly new trend by first making a surprise appearance and now qualifying for the semifinals of the World Cup in Qatar.
The Atlas Lions defeated Portugal 1-0 in the quarterfinals at the Al Thumama Stadium. A solitary goal from En-Nesyri helped Morocco reach the last four of the tournament and become the first African team in history to reach the semifinals. In addition, in five games they have conceded only one goal and that was against Canada, leaving their goal unbeaten against Croatia, Belgium, Spain and Portugal.
Right at the start of the match, Portugal gave the first warning. Yassine Bounou made a great save to keep out Joao Félix's header from a free kick by Bruno Fernandes.
🔥 Bono's show starts!
🧱 Joao Félix's header repelled by the #MAR goal #GolMundial pic.twitter.com/g0x5dbvhZV
- Gol Mundial (@Gol) December 10, 2022
A few minutes later came Morocco's reply to the Lusitanians' first warning. Youssef En-Nesyri, who would later open the game's scoring, headed a corner kick over the crossbar.
Both teams continued to try, generating clear chances but without finding the goal that would put them ahead on the scoreboard. Then, in the 41st minute, En-Nesyri (1-0) took advantage of a mistake by Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa to score the first and only goal of the match.
🐫 WHAT A CRAZY THING TO DO! En-Nesyri soared into the Qatar sky to put #MAR ahead! #WorldGoal pic.twitter.com/QidgaqcJ68
- Gol Mundial (@Gol) December 10, 2022
Bruno Fernandes had a very clear opportunity before the end of the first half but his shot hit the crossbar.
🧞♂️ The one attempted by Bruno Fernandes is true genius #GolMundial pic.twitter.com/aPQyUDESEg
- Gol Mundial (@Gol) December 10, 2022
The second half was monopolized by Portugal. The Portuguese team dominated from the start, having great chances to score that went wide or that Bounou prevented with some great saves, such as the one he made after this volley from Joao Felix.
It's one of the stops of the World Cup! 😱
🔥 Bono's stratospheric hand on Joao Félix's dive
✈️ Content sponsored by @emirates #FlyBetter #GolMundial pic.twitter.com/AskKI1bHed
- Gol Mundial (@Gol) December 10, 2022
The Leones del Atlas are already waiting for their opponent in the round prior to the final, which will decided from the match between France and England.
