With an incredible low defensive block, Morocco put it all on penalties against Spain and were rewarded with a first ever World Cup quarter-final place.
It had been looking as though this World Cup quarter-final line-up would be pretty predictable. Throughout the previous six knockout matches the big guns had found a way through with varying degrees of complexity. But on this occasion the ‘Big Beasts’ found themselves toothless and defeated by the Atlas Lions with a result that, in putting an African team through to the last eight and reminding us all that the underdog can roar, has done the competition a lot of good as well.
In 2018, they finished bottom of their group and could only take a single point from a 1-1 draw against Iran. The extent to which Spain would prove an insurmountable object was always going to be determined by which of their versions turned up. Seven goals and six different scorers against Costa Rica in their opening match indicated that they could be formidable opponents for anybody, but their two subsequent games against Germany, who held them to a 1-1 draw, and then Japan, who came from behind to beat them 2-1, had also demonstrated that they may also be beatable.
Extra-time became a game of attack versus defence, all the more so when Spain introduced Ansu Fati seven minutes in and gave themselves a little more width. But Morocco were penned in, and defending against this now continuous Spanish press looked as though it had taken its toll. Yet the plan was clearly visible. With a minute to play in the first period Wasim Cheddira broke through and had his shot blocked by the legs of Unai Simon.
Yassine Bounou had already been one of the more impressive goalkeepers in this tournament, and he stepped up in style. Sarabia, Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets all faltered from the spot.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
World Cup carnage as riot cops seen crushing fans ahead of Spain v Morocco clashSPANISH and Moroccan fans were caught up in crowd carnage as they were trapped in a crush outside their World Cup game. Riot cops were deployed as fans were pushed trapped against a chain link fenc…
Read more »
Morocco dump Spain out of the World Cup in shoot-out despite 'taking 1000 penalties'Luis Enrique’s homework to make Spain’s players score ‘1000 penalties’ completely backfired as his side crashed out of the World Cup with a shoot-out loss to Morocco. After a goalless 120 minutes, …
Read more »
World Cup news - latest: Spain knocked out as Morocco win on penalties; Ronaldo benched after being criticised by Portugal bossPortugal manager Fernando Santos hits out at Cristiano Ronaldo's reaction after he was substituted in their final group game; France's protest about Antoine Griezmann's goal being ruled out against Tunisia is rejected; Brazil's players unfurl a Pele tribute after their 4-1 win.
Read more »
Morocco 0-0 Spain (3-0 PENS): Hakimi panenka dumps Enrique's side out of the World CupA panenka penalty from Achraf Hakimi settled the shootout in Morocco's favour as they knock out Spain to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time.
Read more »
The World Cup’s group stage bodes well for Morocco and EnglandShould a bevy of goals against one weak opponent really change perceptions of a team’s chances at a title? Our study finds that the answer is “yes”
Read more »