Morocco made World Cup history on Saturday when it defeated Portugal 1-0. As a result, it became the first African nation to reach the tournament’s semifinals. Youssef En-Nesyri scored a single goal by heading the ball into the net minutes before the halftime whistle. Also, the Moroccan defense left Portugal scoreless.
The Atlas Lions’ run to the semifinals is one of the tournament’s biggest surprises. They tied fellow quarterfinalist Croatia in the group stage and then beat Belgium, Spain, and Portugal to advance.
On Saturday, the Al Thumama Stadium echoed with drums and whistles. The crowd’s enthusiasm suggested that nearly the whole African continent had gathered there to watch the squad make history.
First African Nation to Reach World Cup Semifinals
As Portugal cried their way out of the tunnel following their loss to Morocco, it became clear that this World Cup had been Cristiano Ronaldo’s last.
However, the Atlas Lions continued their signature victory celebration by launching Regragui.
According to a sports handicapping forum, Ronaldo scored the game-winning goal when these two sides last played in the 2018 World Cup. As a result, Ronaldo was relegated to the substitute’s bench for the second game in a row.
Despite Portugal’s early dominance in possession, they could not score against a Morocco defense that has allowed just one goal so far in Qatar 2022.
In the first half, Portugal hardly had a chance to score. Joo Félix had two shots, the first a firm header that forced goalie Yassine “Bono” Bounou to make a save, and the second a shot that was deflected off two players and ricocheted crazily before resting on top of the net.
According to bookie PPH sources, Morocco took the lead when En-Nesyri headed in a Yahia Attiyat-Allah cross from the center of the field. En-Nesyri towered over Diogo Costa and Ruben Dias to get a clear shot on goal.
That’s still enough time to learn how to open a sportsbook. That way, you can accept wagers on the World Cup title match.
