Morocco made history as the first African team to reach the World Cup semi-finals with a 1–0 win over Portugal, sending home another European power during a scintillating Cinderella run in Qatar.
After winning a loaded Group F featuring Belgium, Canada and current World Cup semifinalist Croatia, Morocco defeated Spain in a penalty shootout leading into the quarterfinal. And in the biggest game in the nation’s history, the Atlas Lions cobbled together a stalwart performance that saw a 42nd-minute header from Youssef En-Nesyri become the match-winner.
Here are four things we learned from the game
Malaise around Africa has cleared
Before this game, no African country had made a semi-final appearance at the World Cup and not many gave the Atlas Lions the slightest of chances to edge past Portugal to achieve this historic and momentous feat but Walid Regragui and his charges defied the odds and ensured they would etch their name in annals of the tournament as the first African country to reach the semifinals.
That major milestone in history was achieved with exactly the same methods that beat Spain in the last round. Mainly hard work and organisation, which is what makes Regragui’s team so difficult to beat.
Morocco manage game brilliantly at 1-0 up
Morocco may have had a minor goalkeeping error to thank for their first goal – although En-Nesyri deserves credit for a delightful finish – but they could not have managed the game any better at 1-0 up. Walid Regragui’s charges formed a solid defensive shape out of possession while ensuring they retained a counter-attacking threat to give their opponents something to think about going the other way.
As Fernando Santos’ men went more and more gung-ho as the minutes ticked away, Morocco began to mount increasingly dangerous breaks. Regragui will be delighted with how professionally his team controlled proceedings throughout the game.
Morocco played with no fear and took the game to Portugal
Playing against Portugal, it would have been understandable if Regragui’s side to play within themselves. Instead of being overwhelmed by what should have been an electric atmosphere in the Al Thumama Stadium, the Atlas Lions found their feet straight away and set about quietening the Portuguese fans present just as they did to Spain days ago.
Morocco passed the ball around with confidence and created a few chances; taking advantage of Portugal’s decision not to press high in the first half; Hakim Ziyech, Sofiane Boufal and Youssef En-Nesyri were again linking up well and causing all sorts of problems. It came as no surprise when En-Nesyri scored to put Morocco in front before the interval.
Azzedine Ounahi delivers complete midfield masterclass
Save for one goal of obvious quality, this was a match notable for just the occasional moments of excellence from those on display. One player who did stand out, however, was Azzedine Ounahi, who produced a complete midfield display that harnessed his somewhat unique blend of power and technique.
Stationed on the left of the midfield trio- quite evidently his favoured position- Azzedine was afforded something of a free role as Sofyan Amrabat and Selim Amallah mopped up effectively behind him.
Most of Morocco’s best moments came through the Angers man, as he launched counter attacks and regularly wriggled free down the flanks. Buoyed by his decisive role, the midfielder then controlled affairs in the centre of the park. Portugal, at times, couldn't lay a glove on the Moroccan star.
By: Godfred Budu
