Morocco became the first ever African nation to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup be defeating Portugal on Saturday, 10 December. Playing at the Al Thumama stadium, a 10-men Morocco held out Cristiano Ronaldo's star-studded Portugal in regulation time to complete an incredible heist, one of the biggest upsets in the FIFA World Cup.
This was a special win for Morocco who had the support of Africa and the middle-eastern nations after defeating title contenders Spain in the Round of 16 of the tournament. The team once again played out a spirited defensive performance keeping true to their tradition in the current edition of the FIFA World Cup.
The team had conceded just one goal in the entire tenure of the tournament, that to an own goal in the Group Stages of the tournament against Canada.
The Atlas Lions, who did not have two key men in defense due to injury, defended deep against Portugal's long balls, but did exceedingly well to attack in vertical lines, without wasting much time.
The Special Goal
With a tiring squad that had played 120 minutes against Spain coming into the game, Morocco relied on the brilliance of Boufal and Hakim Ziyech to create. Both players helped out in the defense and broke out at devastating speed to put the Portugal defense in a disarray.
Despite their defensive approach, Morocco had better chances in the first half, keeping Youssef En-Nesyri as the centre of the attack.The distractions of course came in the form of Ziyech, Boufal and Achraf Hakimi, who kept the fullbacks busy. Morocco were rewarded for their spirit late in the first half of the match when En-Nesyri climbed up the highest at the centre of the box and headed in a cross into the Portuguese goal.
Defensive Spirit
As said before, Morocco have conceded just a single goal in the current edition of the FIFA World Cup, and they once again showed the template against playing a big team.
Their forwards helped in defence, tracking down the Portuguese runners rapidly, and when they could not, goalkeeper Bono came to their rescue, like he did against Spain.
Portugal prodigy Joao Felix's mid-range curler in the 83rd minute was saved by Bono in a terrific acrobatic save. He finger-tipped the ball with his right hand over the crossbar to keep Morocco ahead in the game. This was not the only time that Bono came to save his nation, the keeper saved a low right footed shot from Cristiano Ronaldo as well in the final minutes of the game.Uninspiring Ronaldo
Uninspiring Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo came into the game early in the second half, but failed to have any impact. Playing at the top of the attack, Ronaldo had a few chances from outside the box, but either mis-controlled or hit the ball straight into the hands of the goalkeeper.
This match, the 196th of his international career possibly marks his end of 2022, given the fact that he is currently without a club after separating from Manchester United.
A truly anti-climactic end for a legendary player.
Celebration and Concerns
As Portugal sank into the ground, the Atlas Lions let out a huge roar of victory after becoming the first African nation in the history of the competition to reach in the semi-final stages. They will take on the winners of France and Netherlands, set to be played later today.
Morocco although will be scratching their heads to put together a playing XI in the semi-final, with Hakim Ziyech and captain Romain Saiss being taken off the pitch, late in the second half due to injury.
The Moroccan team also received a late red card with Walid Cheddira receiving 2 yellow cards in the day.