Morocco inflict pain on Spain, advance to first-ever World Cup quarter-final

Morocco eliminated Spain from the 2022 World Cup, thanks to a 3-0 penalty shootout victory following a nail-biting goalless draw at the Education City Stadium in Qatar on Tuesday.

The North Africans, in their second round-of-16 appearance ever, put on an overall defiant display to overcome Spain, the 2010 World Cup winners, who had the better chances.

Both sides were inseparable following 120 minutes of pulsating football in which Morocco held their own against their illustrious Spanish neighbours.

Both sides would also trade chances in extra time with Unai Simon, Spain’s goalkeeper, keeping out the North Africans at point-blank range while dogged defending stopped Spain from finding the final ball as they continued to threaten throughout the encounter.

However, the Atlas Lions put on one of the best defensive displays in the competition so far to hold off Spain who hit the post in the final added minute of second-half extra-time and pushed the game into a penalty shootout.

Morocco, in their first-ever shootout of the World Cup, overcame Spain 3-0 on penalties with Yaccine Bounouu, Morocco goalkeeper, saving two spot-kicks while Hachraf Hakimi converted the decisive penalty to eliminate Spain and ensure Morocco reached the quarter-final stage for the first time in their World Cup history.

Morocco also become the first African side to reach the quarter-final at the World Cup since Ghana in 2010.

Photo credit: AP