On an Arab soil and in front of their compatriots, Morocco beat Portugal (1-0) on Saturday and became the first Arab and African team to qualify for the World Cup semi-finals.
At Al Thumama stadium, the history makers earned a place in the final four courtesy of Youssef En-Nesyri’s brilliant header just before half-time. Portugal seemed helpless, except for a few chances that were all denied by Morocco’s legendary goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Cristiano Ronaldo could not rescue his team, and this may be his last international match.
Morocco under Walid Regragui have faced Belgium, Croatia, Spain, and Portugal but none could even score against them. In eight and a half hours of football, no opposition player has scored against them. The only goal they have conceded, against Canada, was an own-goal. Morocco are now in a six-game unbeaten run in the World Cup (3 wins and 3 draws). They are more than worthy winners and it will take a lot to beat them no matter which side they will play. The Atlas Lions are roaring into the history books.
