Today: 31 May 2025
10 December 2022
2 mins read

Morocco Shock Portugal 1-0 to Reach WC Semi-Finals

Morocco becomes the first African nation to qualify for the last four after leading Portugal 1-0 in the quarterfinal of the World Cup at the Al Thumama stadium on Saturday.

A resilient Morocco found the back of the net through Youssef El-Nesyri in the 42nd minute. The forward went airborne and headed the cross from Attiyat Allah to give his side the advantage. Morocco took the lead thanks to a stunning Nesyri header, and are only 45 minutes away from making history. Portugal had a couple of chances and Bruno Fernandes almost equalized in the dying minutes of the half but his kick hit the crossbar.

Portugal’s penalty claim was disallowed shortly after Morocco found the lead. The game sprang to life in the closing five minutes of the first half, and everything is on the line in the second half.

Morocco’s Youssef En-Nesyri celebrates after scoring a goal during the match against Portugal in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2022 at Al Thumama Stadium, in Doha on Saturday. Morocco won the match 1-0. (ANI Photo)

The sides met only for the third time with Morocco edging Portugal in the 1986 World Cup while the European side took the honours in the second meeting through Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal in the 2018 edition.

Portugal started the game by keeping the ball in the Moroccan half and asserting dominance right from the beginning but Morocco showed resilience in defence and looked to make the most of their attacking chances.

The European side were relentless in their attack but the African nation was up to the task as they forged a solid defensive line to stop the Portuguese wave of attack.

Hakim Ziyech, Morocco’s most impressive player in the tournament, was once again a live wire in the field as he created chances for his team.

Portugal started without their talismanic striker Ronaldo and it will be interesting to see if he is brought onto the field as he was the difference between the two sides in their previous meeting. The forward will be itching to prove his mettle after having been left out of the starting eleven.

The stadium was engulfed with a sea of red and green as both the colours feature on the jerseys of Portugal and Morocco. (ANI)

Previous Story

Pakistan fails to stop dollar smuggling despite forex fall

Next Story

Iran denounces US move to remove it from UN women’s commission

Latest from -Top News

World needs Dubai’s ambition: Morgan

Piers Morgan has hailed Dubai’s transformation as an example of what visionary leadership can achieve. British broadcaster Piers Morgan has praised the extraordinary ambition and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin

Mohammed honours football champions

Ruler of Dubai hails players as role models during palace reception His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, received the

Abu Dhabi sets 2050 energy vision

Abu Dhabi unveils AED400 billion energy roadmap, inked climate finance pact ahead of 2026 UN Water Conference Abu Dhabi has unveiled a sweeping strategic framework to transform its energy and water sector

US flag returns to Damascus

Billions in energy deals and lifted sanctions mark Syria’s reintegration, as US reopens embassy and declares the war-torn nation “open for business” under new regional partnerships. The United States has reopened its
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Morocco “strongly condemns” Israeli actions at Al-Aqsa mosque

Morocco’s Foreign Ministry calls on the United Nations and the

Morocco’s coast guards rescue 352 migrants off coasts

Morocco’s coast guards have rescued 352 illegal migrants off coasts