World Cup 2022: Heroic Morocco make history

They have done it. Walid Regragui and his players have reached the World Cup semi-finals. After holding Croatia to a draw in the group stage (0-0), recording what the source describes as a win over Belgium (0-0, a printed score that contradicts the claimed victory) and knocking out Spain on penalties, they have now brought down Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in the quarter-finals of World Cup 2022. HISTORIC.

En-Nesyri sent Morocco into orbit. Heavily criticised before the World Cup and even after the first game against Croatia (0-0), the Sevilla FC striker showed once again in these first 45 minutes against Portugal just how unpredictable he can be. It was he who, with a superb header, put the Moroccans in front at the break (1-0) and secured a fine first half.

The approach of Walid Regragui's men in this match did not change. They give the ball to the opposition first. On winning it back, they use the midfielders' technical precision to hurt you. And in that game plan, Azzédine Ounahi was once again key to the Atlas Lions' set-up. Morocco's number 8, as Luis Enrique called him, having no idea who he was, tormented the Portuguese midfield with his dribbling and his ability to break through the whole opposing block with his runs. His team-mates could, in fact, have killed the game off several times had they made better use of the openings he created.

Despite accumulated fatigue, captain Romain Saiss going off injured and Portugal's late pressure, the Moroccan fortress held firm. The Atlas Lions did not buckle and protected the lead they had taken in the first half. On Wednesday they will become the first African side to play in a World Cup semi-final. It will be against France or England. The legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who came on after the break, may have played his last World Cup match.

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