It is the first time that the Moroccans have reached the quarter-finals of a World Cup. The North Africans sent the favored Spaniards home 3-0 on Tuesday after a brilliant defensive performance including a goalless draw after extra time thanks to penalty hero Yassine Bounou. Team boss Luis Enrique’s squad experienced a historic 911 drama.
The team of team boss Walid Regragui managed the first big surprise in the knockout phase of the current World Cup. Pablo Sarabia, of all people, who came on for penalties shortly before the end and hit the post a few seconds before the end of the game (123′), also scored the first penalty for La Roja. Carlos Soler and captain Sergio Busquets also lost their nerve and forgave. Achraf Hakimi let the Moroccans celebrate with a Panenka penalty.
Previously, the Spaniards’ offense was desperate for the Moroccans’ compact defence. They are the first African team since Ghana twelve years ago, as well as Senegal (2002) and Cameroon (1990) in a World Cup quarter-finals and will meet either Portugal or Switzerland there on Friday, who were still facing each other on Tuesday evening. Four years ago, the Spaniards also failed on penalties (against Russia) in the World Cup round of 16, just like in the European Championship semi-finals last year against eventual European champions Italy.
It was the fourth defeat in a penalty shoot-out for the Spaniards at the World Cup. No other nation has ever had such weak nerves. In addition, the Iberians were only the second team at a World Cup to give up all attempts in a penalty shoot-out. That had only happened to Switzerland in 2006 against Ukraine at the World Cup in Germany.
Before kick-off, Enrique caused a little surprise with his line-up. Right-back Marcos Llorente started in place of the two veterans Cesar Azpilicueta and Dani Carvajal. Both sat slightly battered on the bench. Captain Busquets played his 17th World Cup game, leveling him as Spain’s all-time World Cup player with Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas. Gavi also became the youngest starting XI player in a knockout game at a World Cup since Pelé in 1958, aged 18 years and 123 days.
On the other hand, Regragui made only one change after beating Canada 2-1, his team defending compactly, deep and physically present in a 4-1-4-1 from the first second. The large crowds of Moroccan fans among the 44,667 spectators in the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan cheered every successful action of their team frenetically and accompanied La Roja’s long periods of possession with high whistles. While the Spaniards struggled to find the holes in the Moroccan defence, the North Africans continued to pose a threat on the counterattack.
The Moroccans knocked on the Iberian goal with a Hakimi free kick (12th) and an Aguerd header from five meters (42nd), both times the ball went just over it. Spain goalie Unai Simon had to follow up on a long-range shot by Bayern professional Noussair Mazraoui (33′). Marco Asensio had the best opportunity for the Enrique team in the first half with a shot at the side netting from a tight angle (26′). Even after the change of sides, the picture didn’t change at first: Spain had more possession of the ball, but Morocco continued to be uncomfortable and won more tackles.
Bounou had to punch away a free kick from Leipzig professional Dani Olmo in the 55th minute, it was the Spaniards’ first shot on goal. Even after the substitution of striker Alvaro Morata, the favorites lacked the brilliant idea, compelling chances were scarce. Shortly before the end of regulation time, the Moroccans blocked a shot from Nico Williams (88′), a Morata header went well over it (91′). Bounou had to excel in an Olmo free-kick (95′).
In the extra time, Walid Cheddira had the lead on his foot, but Simon was able to parry the shot that was placed too centrally with his foot (104th). In the penalty shoot-out, the Moroccans remained ice-cold while the Spaniards lost their nerve.
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I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
