The Moroccan nation team pulled an upset and eliminated Spain from the Qatar world cup’s first round of knockout games.
Khartoum: AlTaghyeer
In an unprecedented event, Morocco became the first Arab team qualify for the World Cup quarter finals after beating Spain 3-0 in penalties.
The game saw the Spanish side produce many chances, but the Moroccans’ tight defense would not allow it.
The second half saw the Moroccan side drive forward, with stellar interplay near the 70th minute that almost produced the winning goal.
Spanish coach Luis Enrique’s substitutions brought on Williams in the second half, who had been responsible for Spain’s most dangerous chances, feeding Alvaro Morata a cross that was headed wide.
After a goalless second half, the game moved to extra time, where once again Spain dominated, producing arguably the most dangerous play in the game with substitute Sarabia’s follow-up to a dropping free-kick scraping the inside of the post seconds before the final extra time whistle.
Spain then went on to miss three penalties, one in the post and two saved by Moroccan goalie Ismail Bono, while the Moroccan team scored 3 out of 4 shots taken.
Morocco has thus become the first ever Arab country to reach this far in World Cup history.
