A goal from Youssef En-Nesyri in the first half cemented the victory for the Atlas Lions at the Al Thumama Stadium as the Portuguese did not succeed at claiming a goal in their quarter-final clash.

This proved particularly difficult for the Portuguese forward, Christiano Ronaldo as he was left in tears after their defeat as this was also likely his last World Cup. He came on in the second half as a substitute and also failed to secure a knockout phase goal.

The beginning of the game was strongly dominated by Portugal as they had majority possession but the Atlas Lions came back fighting. En-Nesyri’s header cemented the Moroccans' fight by securing their first and ultimately winning goal.

There was hope in bringing Ronaldo on in the second half to level and ultimately trump the score but unfortunately for Portugal, this was not their fate.

Morocco goalkeeper, Bono, stunned by saving attempts from Joao Felix and Ronaldo. The Atlas Lions have managed to beat Belgium, Spain and Portugal and are set to face France in their semi-final clash.

The defending champions, France, beat England last night, ensuring their World Cup campaign’s continuation and unfortunately for England, this meant the end of theirs. A 2-1 win for France secured by Olivier Giroud sees the French well on their way to possibly reclaiming their victory.

The next FIFA World Cup game and the first semi-final is set to take place between Croatia and Argentina on Tuesday, 13 December, at 21:00.

Morocco is set to face France on Wednesday, the 14th of December, at 21:00 in their semi-final World Cup clash. 

Kayla Barker/OFM Sport