Morocco Became The First Arab And African Nation To Reach The Semifinals Of The World Cup

In Saturday's 1-0 victory over Portugal, Morocco became the first Arab and African nation to reach a FIFA World Cup semifinal. Losing was never an option for the fired-up Moroccans.

A dramatic penalty shootout decided the match between Ghana and Uruguay in 2010 which brought them to within one step of reaching the last four stage.

With a place in the final on the line, the Atlas Lions await the winner of the late game between defending champions France and England, who were reduced to ten men after Walid Cheddira's red card.

Youssef En-Besyri scored the only goal of an ultra-tense game in the 44th minute.

As Morocco attacked on the left flank, Yahia Attiyat Allah wired a looping cross into the Portugal box, where En-Nesyri jumped high to head the ball past a hesitant Diogo Costa.

Following the kick-off, the Seleço das Quinas attempted a comeback, but Bruno Fernades' daring volley struck the cross-bar and landed out of play.

In spite of this, Portugal dominated most of the action as they controlled the field for over 70 percent of the game and also had more chances to score (9-6) and corners (9-3).

Christiano Ronaldo left the pitch in tears after the final whistle, knowing that this could be his country's last official match.

Ironically, the world's most famous footballer reached an iconic milestone when he played his 196th match for Portugal, the most international caps by an individual.

After Saudi Arabia's win over Argentina and Tunisia's win over France, this has been an exciting tournament for Arab countries.

The Moroccan dream has come true following brilliant performances against 2018 runners-up Croatia (0-0) draw, World No.2 Belgium (2-0), Canada (2-1), 2010 champions Spain (2-0 on penalties) and now 2016 European champions Portugal.

Previously, Morocco and Portugal had only faced each other twice in the FIFA World Cup, with Morocco winning 3-1 in the group stage in 1986, but Portugal got their revenge 32 years later as Ronaldo scored the match-winner in Group stage action to secure a 1-0 win.

 

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