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Morocco become the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final

Home> Football

Updated 17:14 10 Dec 2022 GMTPublished 16:56 10 Dec 2022 GMT

Morocco become the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final

Walid Regragui, take a bow. You and your side have made history.

Daniel Marland

Daniel Marland

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Morocco have made history by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup following Saturday's 1-0 victory over Portugal.

Walid Regragui's side took the lead in the 43rd minute thanks to a Youssef En-Nesyri header he quite frankly had no business scoring.

The Sevilla striker rose high into the air, above Ruben Dias and goalkeeper Diogo Costa, to head home Yahia Attiyat Allah's cross.

Morocco have conceded just one goal at this year's tournament, an own goal against Canada in their final group game.

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Portugal boss Fernando Santos lined up with the same attack that put six past Switzerland in the last 16.

That meant Goncalo Ramos, who scored a hat-trick on Tuesday, was given the nod ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ramos had little impact on the contest, which saw Santos turn to Ronaldo early in the second half.

Joao Felix was Portugal's biggest goal threat, having a header saved by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou in the first half and another effort deflected wide.

In the second half, an outrageous curling effort from the Atletico Madrid star was tipped over spectacularly.

The pressure continued to build on Morocco's compact backline as Portugal turned to their plethora of attacking options. On came Rafael Leao and Ricardo Horta, while Vitinha tried to shore up the midfield.

Ronaldo came close to equalising in added time, but Bono once again stood firm. Late on, Walid Cheddira was sent off for Morocco after receiving a second booking.

En-Nesyri celebrates with his teammates. (Image
Alamy)

It wasn't enough to bring a resolute Morocco down. On ITV, commentary duo Jon Champion and Ally McCoist discussed the heartache African nations who've reached this stage felt.

Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010 all failed to break through the glass ceiling. McCoist said this Morocco team feels different. He summed it up perfectly. You have to be an extraordinary team to hold Croatia to a draw then knock out Spain and Belgium.

Morocco will now face one of France or England on Wednesday. This could end up being one of the biggest underdog stories in football history.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Portugal, Football World Cup

Daniel Marland
Daniel Marland

Daniel is a social editor for SPORTbible after moving from the writing team. Nearly scored past Stormzy at Old Trafford once.

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@DanMarland_

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