Morocco turns into first African nation to succeed in World Cup semifinals

Morocco grew to become the primary African nation to succeed in the semi-finals of the World Cup as Youssef En-Nesyri’s first-half winner added Portugal to the listing of shocked groups in Qatar.

Striker En-Nesyri profited on a mistake from Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa to move house the historic strike for not solely Walid Regragui’s facet — however the complete African continent.

Not even the 51st minute introduction of Cristiano Ronaldo — as soon as once more left on the bench by his supervisor Fernando Santos — might encourage a Portugal comeback, as Bruno Fernandes hit the crossbar whereas Goncalo Ramos and Bernardo Silva missed the goal from good positions.

Late on, Morocco required heroics from goalkeeper Bono who saved from Joao Felix and Ronaldo whereas Pepe missed a sitter within the remaining minute of eight in stoppage time — which additionally noticed substitute striker Walid Cheddira despatched off for 2 quickfire yellow playing cards.

Morocco’s shock run to the final 4 — which has seen them beat Belgium, Spain and Portugal and concede only one personal objective in 5 World Cup matches — units up a semi-final conflict with the winner of England and France’s blockbuster quarter-final.

How Morocco pulled off one other shock to create historical past

Contemporary from their 6-1 win over Switzerland within the final 16, Portugal started the sport brightly with a few first-half probabilities falling to Joao Felix.

The ahead put an early header straight at Bono and noticed a deflected shot land on the highest of the Morocco goalkeeper’s internet earlier than flashing over a first-time end from the sting of the world when present in acres of area.

In the meantime, Fernando Santos’ facet had been warned about En-Nesyri’s risk within the air as he fired over a free header from a nook, whereas Selim Amallah and Sofiane Boufal went shut in fast succession however each failed to seek out the goal.

Ultimately, Morocco’s resilience paid off three minutes earlier than half-time as Portugal goalkeeper Costa got here for Attiyat Allah’s lengthy hanging ball from the left and collided along with his personal defender in Dias, leaving En-Nesyri to nod house.

A frantic finish to the primary half noticed Fernandes crash a dipping volley towards the crossbar earlier than seeing a penalty problem waved away by referee Facundo Tello when put by means of on objective moments later.

Morocco began the second interval strongly, with Hakim Ziyech testing the gloves of Costa from a free-kick — a significant probability which prompted the introduction of Ronaldo on 51 minutes

But it surely was Goncalo Ramos who was on the receiving finish of a significant probability instantly after Ronaldo’s entrance, heading Otavio’s defense-opening cross huge from contained in the field.

Bernardo Silva had two nice alternatives in fast succession to degree however curled over from the sting of the world earlier than failing to attach within the field after a wise free-kick transfer.

But none of these probabilities in comparison with the three that fell Portugal’s method within the remaining 10 minutes. First, Felix’s rasping drive in the direction of the highest nook was tipped over by Bono — who needed to be equal to Ronaldo’s low effort when the 37-year-old ran by means of one-on-one.

Morocco had been near discovering a second when Zakaria Aboukhlal burst clear by means of however his clumsy chip was simply saved by Costa — but Pepe had a fair higher probability on the different finish as he headed huge from contained in the six-yard field following Rafael Leao’s cross.

The complete-time whistle sparked jubilant scenes from the Morocco gamers and their 1000’s of supporters within the stands — whereas Ronaldo instantly marched off the pitch in tears in what’s more likely to be his final World Cup look.

Pepe rages at Argentine referee

Portugal defender Pepe criticized the appointment of Argentine referee Tello within the wake of the Argentina gamers’ feedback about officiating and added time following their quarter-final win over the Netherlands on Friday.

Argentina conceded an equalizer on the finish of 11 minutes of stoppage time to ship their tie into extra-time, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez claiming referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz needed the Netherlands to attain, whereas captain Lionel Messi was additionally important.

Pepe says the appointment of Tello on this recreation shouldn’t have been authorised, with Argentina nonetheless within the match.

“We conceded a objective that we weren’t anticipating however… I will need to say it. It is unacceptable for an Argentine referee to referee our recreation,” stated Pepe. “After what occurred yesterday, with Messi speaking, all of Argentina speaking and the referee comes right here.

“What did we play the second half? The goalkeeper stored dropping to the bottom. There have been solely eight minutes of stoppage time. We labored laborious and the referee [gave] eight minutes?

“We did not play something within the second half. The one group that performed soccer was us. We’re unhappy. We had the standard to win the World Cup and we did not handle to.”

“Our gamers are distressed,” stated Portugal coach Fernando Santos, who shrugged off questions on his personal future and added that he did not remorse not beginning Ronaldo.

“Cristiano is a superb participant and he got here on once we thought it was essential. However no, no regrets.”

In the meantime, Morocco goalkeeper Bono stated: “Pinch me, I am dreaming.

“Morocco is able to face anybody on the earth. We have now modified the mentality of the technology coming after us. They’re going to know Moroccan gamers can create miracles.”

Participant of the match — Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco)

Such was Portugal’s domination in possession, Morocco metronome Sofyan Amrabat solely touched the ball 32 instances within the 90 minutes.

However what the midfielder did on the uncommon events wherein he did get on the ball was phenomenal and he was instrumental in relieving strain on the Morocco backline.

Amrabat made eight ball recoveries and three tackles but additionally confirmed his potential to deliver the ball ahead — getting into the ultimate third twice and creating one clear-cut probability.

Put merely, Amrabat was in all places for Morocco and is staking an actual declare to be named Participant of the Event.

‘Do not take Morocco flippantly’

Sky Sports activities’ Graeme Souness talking on ITV:

“Morocco had been fabulous — it was a mirror of the Spanish recreation [which they won on penalties].

“They had been sensational when it got here to defending their field. When it comes to the laborious work, being organized and dedication they had been a credit score to their nation.

“Don’t take them flippantly. They won’t be a special Morocco subsequent time, they’ll play the very same method.

“That they had a recreation plan which labored properly. Each time the Portuguese bought the ball, they bought again in numbers. It is okay to say that, however if you’re continuously bringing the opposite group onto to you, one particular person usually falls asleep in peril. No-one did that.

“For Argentina, France and England, for those who requested them they usually gave you a solution, they’d be comfortable for Morocco getting there. That is perhaps a mistake.”

What does the end result imply?

Morocco transfer into the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, Dec. 14, kick-off at 7 p.m. GMT. Ought to they win that, the World Cup remaining takes place at 3 p.m. GMT on Sunday, Dec. 18.

The African facet will play the winner of England and France‘s quarter-final, which kicks off at 7 p.m. GMT on Saturday night time.