Morocco toppled another European soccer giant with a 1-0 win over Portugal on Saturday to become the first African nation to advance to the semifinals of the World Cup.
The only scoring in the match, played in Doha, Qatar, came in the 42nd minute when Morocco’s Youssef En-Nesyri took a cross from Yahya Attiyat-Allah and managed to get a header past goalkeeper Diego Costa for the sole goal. Morocco’s fierce defense limited Portugal to just three shots on goal.
Morocco’s previous tournament wins included victories over Belgium and Spain.
The match also will be remembered as perhaps the end of major international play for superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who was removed from Portugal’s starting lineup at the start of the round of 16. He was a second-half sub in the 51st minute, but, like his teammates, was stifled by the Moroccan defense.
Morocco played more than half of the eight minutes of stoppage time with 10 players because Walid Cheddira was disqualified with two yellow cards.
Morocco will play the winner of Saturday’s later match between England and France in the semifinals on Wednesday.
–Field Level Media