Africa’s remaining representatives at the on-going FIFA World Cup 2022 will face Portugal in the quarter final stage.
The Atlas Lions of Morocco played their hearts out to stop former champions Spain 3-0 on penalties after a goalless draw in the round of 16 match played on Tuesday at Doha’s Education City Stadium in Qatar.
The two teams created several opportunities, but neither national team was able to produce a goal as the match went to extra time.
During the penalty shoot out Abdelhamid Sabiri, Hakim Ziyech, and Achraf Hakimi converted their spot kicks for Morocco, while Badr Benoun missed his penalty.
Spain’s Pablo Sarabia, Carlos Soler, and Sergio Busquets failed to convert. It was all celebration after the final whistle as it was also Morocco’s first time to qualify for the quarter final at the World Cup. They also became the first Arab Nation to make it to the quarter final stage.
Walid Regragui, the Morocco coach praised his team for qualifying for the next stage. “It was a good team spirit that the team showed against Spain. We now have to prepare for the quarter final stage,” added the Morocco coach.
Morocco will now face Portugal who demolished Switzerland 6-1 in the last game of the round of 16 played on Tuesday night.
The other quarter final matches will see Brazil face Croatia, while the Netherlands take on Argentina, and England take on defending champions France.
