Morocco defied the odds to defeat Spain on penalties with Spanish-born Achraf Hakimi scoring a winning Panenka in the shootout. The Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan was rocking after the heroic display by the Atlas Lions as they become the first African side since 1990 to go unbeaten in their last five consecutive World Cup matches.
After Senegal were knocked out by England on Sunday, Morocco now remain the final African team in the competition and they are also the first African outfit since Ghana in 2010 to reach the quarter-finals.
Morocco have been the dark horses of the World Cup so far and they have now reached the last eight at the tournament for the first time in their history. So, here’s our Morocco player ratings for their unbelievable victory over European giants Spain.
Morocco (4-3-3):
Yassine Bounou – 7.5
Overshadowed by Hakimi’s Panenka but made two crucial saves in the shootout, making a brilliant stop to deny Sergio Busquets. Solid during the 120 minutes too.
Achraf Hakimi – 8
An audacious Panenka penalty kick won the tie for Morocco and Hakimi also put in an excellent display throughout the match too. The Madrid-born full-back looked very strong at the back and carried the ball forward well at times too. Superb display once more by the Atlas Lions’ star man.
Nayef Aguerd – 7
The West Ham centre-back looked composed at the back here. Had a great opportunity after some excellent play by Sofiane Boufal at the end of the opening forty five but couldn’t challenge the goalkeeper with his header. Great sliding challenge inside the box on substitute Alvaro Morata in the second half. Impressive defensive display.
Romain Saiss – 7
Made a number of important clearances and made a good interception in the first half. Solid display.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7.5
The Bayern Munich defender wasn’t afraid to push forward on the overlap at times down the left-hand side and link up with Boufal. Involved frequently in the first half, putting himself about. Had a decent strike on goal that forced a save by Unai Simon in the first half too. Solid overall.
Azzedine Ounahi – 7
Won the ball back well a couple of times in the midfield and battled hard. Slid in Walid Cheddirra in extra time after some excellent play on the edge of Spain’s box.
Sofyan Amrabat – 9
The Fiorentina midfielder sat deep and was crucial in front of the Morocco defense, winning some strong challenges. Disrupted Spain’s tempo and fluid passing play. Recycled possession well too and was able to draw a few fouls himself. Formidable display.
Selim Amallah – 5
Scarcely involved throughout before being replaced late on.
Hakim Ziyech – 6.5
The Chelsea Winger looked to link up with Hakimi down the right flank and was able to pick the ball up in some good positions. Wasn’t the best offensively but displayed superb work rate throughout, helping Hakimi in defense.
Youssef En-Nesyri – 5
Hardly involved throughout with Morocco rarely getting on the ball. Good defensive header following a Spanish free kick at the beginning of the second half and did as well as he could have in the situation.
Sofiane Boufal – 7.5
Posed some questions for the Spanish defense down the left flank in the opening quarter of the game and looked lively with some tidy footwork. Tracked back well too to help out Noussair Mazraoui. Teed up a great chance for Nayef Aguerd at the end of the first forty five but the defender couldn’t keep his header on target. Impressive performance before being subbed off in the second half.
Substitutions
Abdessamad Ezzalzouli – 6
Did well defensively when he came on.
Walid Cheddira – 6
Stormed through on goal in extra time after a brilliant ball by Sofyan Amrabat but didn’t get his shot away on time. Played in by Azzedine Ounahi and managed to hit the target but was denied by goalkeeper Unai Simon.