Morocco First-Ever African Team In The Last Four After 1-0 Win Against Portugal

Morocco defended and then defended some more. With two massed lines in front of their goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, the Moroccans were again content to absorb the pressure, but when they broke they did with dizzying speed, often causing great danger in the final third. It was the blueprint that brought success against Spain and did so again against Portugal when in the 42nd minute Youssef En-Nesryi supplied the winning header, a goal that sent the Al Thumama Stadium, Moroccan cities, the Maghreb region and the Arab world into a frenzy.

Above all, even taking into account Morocco’s Amazigh and Arab culture, this was a victory for Africa. For the first time in history, the continent has a representative in the last four of the World Cup. No team from Africa had ever gone beyond the last eight of the tournament. In 2010, Luis Suarez and Uruguay broke Ghana’s hearts from the penalty spot. Senegal had reached the quarter-finals in 2002, twelve years after England knocked Cameroon out of the 1990 World Cup at the same stage.

But here, few observers had given Morocco a chance after its tumultuous build-up dismissing head coach Vahid Halilhodzic and a tough first-round draw. Yet against Croatia, Belgium, Canada and Spain, the North Africans had proven how formidable a side they had. Morocco had the best defensive record in the World Cup. However, Romain Saiss’s departure meant that that three of Morocco’s first-choice back four were out of this match. How much longer could Morocco resist? In a frenetic second half, Portugal camped in Morocco’s half with Cristiano Ronaldo returning to the side as a substitute. In the end, it seemed, Fernando Santos had no choice but to turn to his star player.

The pressure on the Moroccan rearguard was relentless. Hakim Ziyech was the next player to limp off. Morocco was physically exhausted. Could the team of coach Walid Regragui hold on for another 12 minutes? It was not breaking just yet. Joao Felix let fly a rasping shot, matched by a brilliant one-handed save from Bounou. Portugal then claimed a penalty against Jawad El-Yamiq. The Europeans kept plugging away and still, Morocco defended stoutly.

Substitute Walid Cheddira was sent off, getting booked twice in quick succession. Eight minutes were added on – eight minutes separated Morocco from World Cup history. Its defense kept moving in unison, covering, sliding, tackling, and frustrating Portugal. On the touchline, Santos’s expression betrayed panic. And then as legs tired, nerves frayed and bodies ran on empty, the referee Facundo Tello blew the final whistle. In tears, Ronaldo marched off to the dressing room, but it mattered little. With almost superhuman effort, Morocco had prevailed. The resilience, bravery and togetherness resonated. A continent now had heroes of its own.