Morocco stunned Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final tie as Youssef En-Nesyri headed home to seal his country’s landmark 1-0 triumph. The Atlas Lions made history at Al Thumama Stadium by becoming the first African nation to qualify for the World Cup semi-finals.
Walid Regragui’s team first upset the odds to odds to reach the knockout stages as Group F winners, ahead of Belgium, Croatia, and Portugal, without losing (W2, D1). The Atlas Lions pulled off another shock in the round of 16 to oust Spain via a penalty shootout following a scoreless draw.
Relieved of any kind of pressure after becoming the first Arabic nation to qualify for the World Cup quarter-finals, Morocco had nothing to lose against a more heavily fancied Portugal. However, after a 1-0 defeat in the 2018 World Cup group stages, revenge was a the forefront of the Moroccans’ minds.
Keen to take two massive Iberian scalps in less than a week, Morocco applied the same recipe that squeezed them past the Spaniards from the get-go. Though Portugal first came knocking on the door through Joao Felix, Regragui’s team broke the deadlock in the first half.
Yahia Attiyat-Allah, who slotted in for Noussair Mazzraoui at the left-back, whipped the ball in towards En-Nesyri, with the Sevilla striker heading home on the stroke of halftime. It’s worth noting that Selecao goalkeeper Diogo Costa gave him a huge helping hand by misjudging the cross.
Another watertight defensive display helped Morocco weather the storm in the second half and make their country proud.
Morocco (4-3-3)
Yassine Bounou – 7.5
In stark contrast to his Portugal counterpart Diogo Costa, Bono is on his way to earning the award for the best goalkeeper in the Qatar showpiece, pulling off numerous vital saves to keep another clean sheet.
Achraf Hakimi – 8
He must be the best right-back on the planet. There’s no other explanation for how he would otherwise be so good at fending off Joao Felix, Rafael Leao, and Joao Cancelo. On top of that, he was instrumental to Morocco’s counter-attacks.
Jawad El Yamiq – 7.5
Morocco might have feared for their defensive stability after Nayer Aguerd picked up a knock against Spain, but El Yamiq excelled today, shutting the Portuguese forwards down with authority.
Romain Saiss – 7
Subbed off early in the second half due to injury, but the Morocco captain put on another superb display to keep Portugal’s star-studded attack quiet.
Yahia Attiyat-Allah – 7.5
Aside from his delicious assist for the Atlas Lions’ winner, the combative left-back was one of the best performers on the Al Thumama Stadium pitch.
Sofyan Amrabat – 7.5
The Fiorentina midfielder had a game of his life, breaking up Portugal’s attacks throughout the entire game while giving Morocco a foothold in a tough midfield contest.
Azzedine Ounahi – 7.5
Despite running out of steam in the second half, the 22-year-old was one of the brightest spots of today’s fixture, with his quick-thinking and pinpoint passing highlighting this historic encounter.
Selim Amallah – 6.5
Found himself in some promising positions early on, but a lack of composure often let him down. Defensively, he was nothing short of impressive, though.
Hakim Ziyech – 7.5
If Milan had any doubt about whether they should take a gamble with the Chelsea outcast, Ziyech’s showing tonight must have done enough to convince the Rossoneri to make a move. An utterly top-class display!
Sofiane Boufal – 6.5
Unlike his attacking comrades, the tricky winger failed to make his sublime footwork count, but his dazzling dribbling skills and quick movements in transition created several decent opportunities for Morocco.
Youssef En-Nesyri – 7
In addition to scoring a towering header, the robust striker did a stellar job of keeping possession as a lonely attacker. Fought tooth and nail to give Morocco rest despite being marked by physically dominant Pepe and Ruben Dias.
Read Our Player Ratings for Portugal
Substitutes
Achraf Dari – 6.5
It’s hard to remember him in the camera focus but what he did in cleaning up behind deserves the plaudits.
Walid Cheddira – 4.5
It took him less than a minute to accumulate two yellow cards and leave his team a man down while fighting to preserve a slender lead in the dying moments.
Badr Benoun – 6.5
Added an extra layer of protection after replacing the goalscorer En-Nesyri.