Morocco defeats Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, becomes first African side to reach FIFA World Cup semi-finals

Youssef En-Nesyri’s first-half goal at Al Thumama Stadium made all the difference in a remarkably tight game. As it was expected, Portugal possessed the ball while Moroccan counter attacks were launched whenever possible. Star player and captain Ronaldo was once again benched.

Joao Felix came the closest to breaking the score early on with three excellent chances that were either just off target or saved by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

However, just before halftime, En-Nesyri emerged as the game's standout player when his forceful header found the back of the net after Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa sprinted off his line but could not touch the ball.


After the break, Portugal gave it all to score an equaliser, and Ronaldo entered the game for his record-breaking 196th appearance in a men's football game.

However, they could not create many quality chances, and despite clearly being exhausted, the Moroccan players managed to cling on.



With Ronaldo and fellow veteran Pepe also coming close in stoppage time, Felix's curling effort gave Portugal's attack a little more energy. However, even after substitute Walid Cheddira was dismissed from the African team for a second bookable offense, another goal could not be scored. Thus, Morocco's opponent for the next match will be England or France.

Morocco, which finished first in their group ahead of Croatia and Belgium, and eliminated Spain and Portugal teams that had previously won the tournament by scores of 7-0 and 6-1, has unquestionably been the biggest surprise of this World Cup.

FAQs:

1. Why was Ronaldo not in the starting line-up of Portugal’s game against Morocco?
   For the match against Switzerland in the Round of 16, the captain of Portugal was again dropped from the starting line-up. Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the replacements for Portugal's second straight game, although he was not included in the starting line-up for their World Cup 2022 quarterfinal match against Morocco.
2. When is the FIFA World Cup final?
   The final will be played on December 18.