DOHA — Morocco beat Portugal 1-0 and became the first Arab and African nation to reach the FIFA World Cup semifinals in Qatar 2022 on Saturday.
Youssef En-Nesyri scored the only goal of the fixture in the 42nd minute to secure a historic win for Morocco.
With this win, Morocco surpassed the three other African sides to reach the quarter-finals; Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010.
Cristiano Ronaldo was named on the bench for the match at the Al Thumama Stadium.
Portuguese attacker Joao Felix’s early attempt in the 5th minute was denied by Morocco goalie Bono, and just a minute later Morocco’s Youssef En-Nesyri’s header went over the bar.
In the 31st minute, Felix’s almost lucky shot was deflected to the corner by inches from the left top corner.
But En-Nesyri’s third header found the net and gave Morocco the lead in the 42nd minute.
Bruno Fernandes’ equalizing attempt returned off the crossbar in the 45th minute and the first half ended 1–0.
Hakim Ziyech’s long range freekick caused trouble in the Portugal penalty area, but it missed the post by inches at the end in the 50th minute.
Ronaldo entered the game in the 51st minute to play his 196th match and equal Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa’s record for most international caps.
Portugal’s Gonzalo Ramos’ promising header was wasted in the 58th minute, while midfielder Bruno Fernandes’ long shot was inches over in the 64th minute.
Felix’s good shot was tipped well over by Morocco keeper Bono in the 83rd minute.
Ronaldo could not pass Bono one-on-one in the 91st minute.
Morocco’s Walid Cheddira, who got into the game in the 65th minute, was then sent off with two yellow cards in three minutes.
Zakaria Aboukhlal of Morocco missed one-on-one with keeper Diogo Costa in the 96th minute.
Portuguese veteran defender Pepe missed a promising header in the 97th minute, and the game ended 1-0.
Morocco will take on the winner of England vs. France quarterfinal match, on Wednesday. — Agencies