Portugal failed to find the net as Morocco pulled off a stunning 1-0 triumph at Al Thumama Stadium to end Cristiano Ronaldo’s dream of winning the World Cup. Despite taking the field as pre-match favorites, the Selecao slumped to the Qatar tournament’s surprise package.
After strolling to a top-place finish in Group A, Euro 2016-winning manager Fernando Santos made a bold call in the round of 16 as he benched talismanic captain Cristiano Ronaldo in favor of Goncalo Ramos. Not even the experienced tactician could’ve anticipated what was coming.
In his maiden World Cup start, the rising Benfica star bagged an eye-catching hat-trick to inspire Switzerland to a thumping 6-1 win over Switzerland. Fresh from claiming their first victory in the World Cup knockouts in 16 years, the Selecao took the Al Thumama Stadium pitch in high spirits.
Unlike his memorable performance against Switzerland last time out, Ramos was virtually invisible in the first half as Joao Felix soaked up the limelight as Portugal’s danger man. The Atletico Madrid forward’s diving header first forced a decent save from Bono before a wayward finish let the youngster down from a favorable situation.
Morocco knew how to punish the Selecao’s underwhelming first-half display. Underperforming Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa had his hand in Youssef En-Nesyri’s opener, with his epic blunder facilitating the Sevilla striker’s job.
Yet Portugal came close to leveling the score on the cusp of halftime, but Bruno Fernandes’ outrageous half-volley rattled off the crossbar. Despite trailing at halftime, Santos refused to field his scoring machine Ronaldo at the start of the second half. He subbed him in the 51st minute, but if failed to help Portugal turn the game on its head as they missed out a golden opportunity to qualify for the third-ever World Cup semi-finals.
Portugal (4-3-3)
Diogo Costa – 4.5
It was long coming for the Porto shot-stopper, who has already had some awful interventions in this tournament. His amateur anticipation turned the tide of this game.
Raphael Guerreiro – 6
As lively as he was against Switzerland, the Borussia Dortmund left-back was an omnipresent figure in Morocco’s half. But unlike his last-16 showing, he struggled for the end product in this quarter-final tie.
Pepe – 7
Age is just a number in Pepe’s case, as witnessed by his spot-on performance today. Aggressive at winning the ball back and error-free when in possession, he looked impressive at 39 years old. A tragic miss in the late stages will hunt him through his dreams, though.
Ruben Dias – 6.5
Caught off guard by En-Nesyri on several occasions, the Manchester City rearguard often rectified his poor position by giving the Sevilla man a rough treatment.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Dalot’s career has taken an upward trajectory since his Milan days, and the attacking-minded right-back proved his worth again by tirelessly galloping up and down the flank. Nothing to show for it, unfortunately.
Ruben Neves – 5.5
While his safe passage play often helped Portugal retain possession in the middle of the park, the in-demand Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder offered nothing in terms of creation.
Otavio – 5.5
Another underwhelming performance from the Porto assisting machine as he failed to hand Portugal a foothold in the attacking third without seeing much of the ball. One that could’ve been replaced earlier.
Bernardo Silva – 6
An oddly quiet game for one of the world’s most technically-gifted midfielders saw the Man City star do nothing worthy of mention in the front third. His passing game and ball control were as impeccable as ever, but he failed to put them in the service of the greater good.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
While the Manchester United playmaker had far better games in terms of passing and build-up play, he was the most dangerous Portugal player on the pitch in the opening hour or so. After hitting the bar with a stunning effort from an acute angle late in the first half, Bruno’s screamer from the edge of the box flew over the bar midway through the second half.
Joao Felix – 6
He might have had the best chances for Portugal, but in addition to his poor finishing, he failed to win a single one-on-one duel with Achraf Hakimi.
Goncalo Ramos – 5
After a match-winning performance against Switzerland, the sought-after Benfica marksman was reduced to a mere spectator in this game before surrendering his place to Rafael Leao.
Read Our Player Ratings for Morocco
Substitutes
Joao Cancelo – 5.5
Offered an attacking spark but often failed to find the right pass or cross.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 5.5
Practically invisible since coming on, the aging superstar left the field in tears after struggling to impact the game.
Vitinha – 5
Helped Portugal keep the ball moving around but did nothing to inspire a comeback.
Rafael Leao – 6
Despite doing more harm on Morocco than the other substitutes, he frequently looked in distress.
Ricardo Horta – N/A