Morocco Sinks Portugal to Become First African Nation In World Cup Semi Finals
The Atlas Lions of Morocco have beaten the Seleção Portuguesa de Futebol of Portugal in the 2022 World Cup quarterfinal match played today in Qatar. The score line ended 1:0 in favor of the North Africans courtesy of a 42nd minutes goal scored by Youssef En-Nesyri of Morocco in the first half.
Morocco maintained their poise, confidence and concentration despite losing a man during the extra time to two yellow cards. The Portuguese pied pressure on Morocco but the well oiled Moroccan defense was well up to the challenge as they kept Cristiano Ronaldo and his fellow team mates at bay. Cristiano was on the bench during the first half and only came in as a substitute in the second half
Morocco thus becomes the first African Nation to progress to a World Cup semi final ever, and they did it in grand style by beating one of the World Cup favorites, Portugal, and one of the biggest names in World football, Cristiano Ronaldo.
After the final whistle, Portugal’s captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, exited the field and walked down the tunnel in tears, but he is nowhere to be found. He probably will not appear on the World Cup stage again. In fact, he might not wear a Portugal jersey again after this. For Cristiano Ronaldo, there is no 2022 World Cup trophy, no award and no club. What will these aging 37-year-old Portuguese Player do next?
Portugal becomes the fifth football heavy weight country to fall in Qatar2022. Germany, Spain, Brazil, Belgium, The Netherlands have all been eliminated leaving Argentina and either of France/England.
The Moroccan victory including that of Croatia that beat Brazil on Friday shows the importance of team discipline and cohesion above big names. The only goal Morocco has conceded thus far in this tournament is an own goal, meaning they have yet to allow an opponent to score against them. The North Africans maintain good defense with disciplined tactical play, a strategy that have seen them drown strong opponents in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Morocco will face the winner of the France/England Quarterfinal game in the semi finals
