Morocco stun Portugal to reach FIFA World Cup semi-finals

Morocco became the first African nation in history to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup as the Atlas Lions produced another shock upset against a European nation, beating Portugal 1-0 at the Al Thumama Stadium on Saturday. Youssef En-Nesyri rose highest in the 42nd minute to score the only goal of the game, while Morocco remained resolute in defence till the final whistle to deny Cristiano Ronaldo and co.

The African side beat European giants Belgium and Spain en route to the quarter-final, and Walid Regragui’s side upset another major footballing nation in Portugal to continue their dream run in Qatar. Morocco’s victory was even more impressive considering first-choice defenders Nayef Aguerd and Noussair Mazraoui were unable for this fixture due to injury.

Attiyat Allah and Jawad El Yamiq deputised for the two defenders in the back four for Morocco, while Portugal fielded the same front three that blew away Switzerland 6-1 in the last 16. Cristiano Ronaldo was forced to start from the bench for the second consecutive game.

Portugal started on the front foot when Joao Felix went close to finding an opener in the opening five minutes, but Fernandos Santos’ side found it difficult to break down a stubborn Moroccan defence. The Atlas Lions showed some attacking intent, with Selim Amallah and Sofiane Boufal going close before eventually finding the back of the net through striker Youssef En-Nesyri. The Sevilla striker leapt over Ruben Dias to head Attiyat Allah’s cross into the back of the net, while Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa overcommitted and was left stranded in no man’s land.

Bruno Fernandes hit the crossbar in the dying moments of the first half with a speculative long-range effort, but manager Fernandos Santos turned to Cristiano Ronaldo in just the 51st minute of the game. However, the 37-year-old superstar had little effect on the game as Morocco offered nothing to the Portugal strike force.

Goalkeeper Yassine Bouno made an excellent fingertip save from a Joao Felix effort and comfortably saved a Cristiano Ronaldo shot in stoppage time to protect his clean sheet. There were some nervy moments for the Atlas Lions ahead of the final whistle as Walid Cheddira got his marching orders for two yellows, but Pepe fluffed Portugal’s last notable chance of the game by heading wide to send Fernandos Santos’ side crashing out in the quarter-finals.

Morocco, meanwhile, head to the Al Bayt Stadium for their first-ever World Cup semi-final and will have to get through another European superpower in France to get to the showpiece event on Sunday.