Youssef En Nesyri’s 42nd-minute header proved the difference for manager Walid Regragui’s side, whose resolute defensive display on Saturday led to a remarkable display in Qatar that has now seen them play more than seven hours of football without to concede to an opposing player. Even Walid Cheddira’s red card in the third minute of extra time could not take the shine off their victory against the odds, which sparked an outpouring of joy among the tens of thousands of Moroccan fans packed into the Al Thumama Stadium. A very flashy Portugal, who dominated possession throughout, proved unable to unlock their opponents’ back line despite all possession and top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo being called on from the substitutes’ bench shortly after half-time. The five-time World Player of the Year is set to finish his career without winning a World Cup or reaching a final, but his performances off the bench saw him become the joint all-time leading scorer in men’s international football with 196 participations. Morocco, whose improbable run caused a burst of pride in the Arab world during the first World Cup to be held in the Middle East, will now face either England or France in the semi-finals on 14 December. Argentina and Croatia meet in the last four the day before. Morocco will now face either England or France in the semi-finals on December 14 [Showkat Shafi/Al Jazeera]
Decisive defenders, smart counters
Morocco had already taken the head of Belgium and Spain in this tournament, but the victory over Portugal is much more important. It marked one of the team’s best performances in Qatar, full of resolute defending and smart counters, keeping out a collection of global stars despite losing key defender Nayef Aguerd to injury before the match and his partner and captain Romain Saiss early in the match . the second half. Portugal will see it as a missed opportunity against the lowest-rated team remaining in the competition and a disappointing curtain call for 37-year-old Ronaldo. Morocco, again vociferously cheered on by the majority of the 44,198 crowd, said they were tired after their last 16 success over Spain and immediately went into defensive mode as Portugal attacked from the start. A fourth-minute Portugal free-kick from the wing on the right was deflected into the penalty area and met with Joao Felix’s diving header, with Yassin Bunou making a fine save. But the supply quickly dried up afterwards as Morocco closed down passing lanes and frustrated the Portuguese forwards. Joao Felix had two more half-chances in the first half, but Morocco gained confidence and found a sudden spring in their step, often breaking on the counter-attack. Morocco fans created an electric atmosphere at Al Thumama Stadium during Saturday’s clash [Showkat Shafi/Al Jazeera]
Second half drama
Left-back Yahya Attiat-Allah made several turns down the flanks, presenting Selim Amallah with a good chance in the 35th minute, which he failed to convert. But seven minutes later, a high ball from the Portugal full-back into the box was met by En Nessiri’s towering header, beating both goalkeeper Diogo Costa and defender Ruben Dias to give Morocco the lead. The Portuguese’s frustration was evident as they heckled Argentine referee Facundo Tello at the end of the first half, complaining that several penalty appeals had been turned down. Morocco went close to a second goal four minutes into the second half as Jawad El Yamiq got a touch on Hakim Ziyech’s floating free-kick, but Costa was on hand this time to make the save. Ronaldo’s 51st-minute substitution was met with boos but reinvigorated a Portugal side for whom Goncalo Ramos, the hat-trick hero of the 6-1 win over Switzerland in the previous round, missed the mark. -Header in the 58th minute. Bruno Fernandes hit the crossbar five minutes later as Portugal went more on the attack and Morocco began to sit deeper. Bunu saved again from Joao Felix with seven minutes remaining as their opponents turned up the pressure. But the rear guard of the Atlas Lions eventually proved sufficient as they held on for a famous victory to the delight of their fierce support.
