Spain suffered a shock defeat against their Mediterranean neighbors Morocco in the last 16 of the World Cup after they missed all of their penalty kicks. Luis Enrique’s side had a torrid time in the shootout, with Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou making two saves, including a crucial stop to deny Sergio Busquets.
Achraf Hakimi scored the winning penalty with a daring Panenka to send the Atlas Lions into the quarter-finals for the first time in their World Cup history.
Spain couldn’t succeed in their eighth extra time appearance at a World Cup and ultimately were not good enough against an outstanding and well-drilled Morocco side. So, here’s our Spain player ratings for their last 16 loss against Morocco.
Spain (4-3-3):
Unai Simon – 6
Was careless with his distribution in the second half which caused problems for the Spanish defense. Made a crucial stop to deny Walid Cheddira in extra time but couldn’t be the hero in the shootout.
Marcos Llorente – 6
Struggled a little up against the skill and trickery of Sofiane Boufal in the first half but improved as the game went on. Would have been relieved when Boufal was subbed off.
Rodri – 8
Unorthodox role at centre-back but he had been playing there all tournament for Luis Enrique’s men. Made a couple of important interceptions at the back and was excellent in the air.
Aymeric Laporte – 7.5
Made some key defensive headers in the first forty five. Booked in the second half for a late and careless challenge on Hakimi. Made a crucial tackle on Cheddira at the beginning of extra time as the forward was running through on goal.
Jordi Alba – 7
Played some dangerous and threatening forward balls and tried to make things happen with his progressive play.
Pedri – 7
Delivered a teasing ball into the box at the end of the first forty five but nobody was attacking it. Dispossessed a couple of times in the first half but played some tidy passes and made a couple of interceptions in the second.
Sergio Busquets – 6.5
Helped move play forward a few times in the middle of the park and won a couple of duels as well in a typical performance by the Barcelona veteran. However, had his penalty saved in the shootout.
Gavi – 5.5
The 18-year-old became the youngest player to start a knockout stage game in the World Cup since the all-time great Pele. He put himself about early on but did give away a few fouls, despite drawing a few himself. A raw performance.
Ferran Torres – 5.5
Picked the ball up a few times in some positions over on the right wing but Noussair Mazraoui and Boufal were able to deal with his threat well.
Marco Asensio – 5
Made a well-timed run in behind the Morocco defense in the first half after a good ball over the top by Jordi Alba but he was unable to hit the target with his effort. Struggled to get involved much overall.
Dani Olmo – 6
Got caught on the ball a couple times in the first forty five and struggled to influence the game offensively. Tried catch out Bounou with a fierce strike from a narrow angle shortly after the break but the ‘keeper was there to deny him. More involved in the second half but still lacked a bit of quality in the final third.
Substitutions
Carlos Soler – 5.5
Created a couple of chances and was accurate in possession when he was introduced midway through the second half. Had his spot kicked saved, however.
Alvaro Morata – 6
Picked the ball up a few times in some dangerous areas when he came on but lacked quality in the final third.
Nico Williams – 6.5
Looked bright when he was introduced and created a couple of chances. Played a fantastic through ball in behind for Alvaro Morata late on in the 90 minutes. Caused issues down the right flank for Morocco in extra time as well.
Alejandro Balde – N/A
Ansu Fati – N/A
Pablo Sarabia – N/A
Wasn’t on long enough to get a rating but had an excellent opportunity at the death, although was denied by the post with his volley. Subbed on at the end of extra time to take a penalty but was denied by the post once more.