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In an unexpected result of the match, Morocco have claimed a spot in the World Cup’s quarter-finals after a sensational penalty shootout win against Spain, becoming the first Arab country to ever reach the tournament’s last eight. The citizens of Morocco are no doubt filled with pride to have had their country make a historical first in the World Cup this year.
The Atlas Lions’ Spanish-born superstar wing-back Achraf Hakimi brought things to a close on Tuesday’s last-16 clash at the Education City Stadium, notching the winner from the spot to make it 3-0 on penalties and sending the thousands of excited Moroccan fans in attendance into an uproar of cheers echoing throughout the stadium.
Pablo Sarabia, Carlos Soler and captain Sergio Busquets missed their penalties for Spain; Sarabia hit the post and Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou stopped the other two.
It was a goalless deadlock after the 120 minutes of normal and extra time and penalty kicks were necessary to break the impasse.
Morocco will next face either Portugal in the quarter-finals on Saturday. The Atlas Lions are the only team from outside Europe or South America still in the tournament.
Spain defanged by undaunted Morocco
Spain held more than two thirds of possession during normal and extra time, completing nearly 1,000 passes in total, but managed just a single shot on target prior to the penalty shoot-out.
The Spanish spent much of the match just orbiting Morocco’s penalty area without attempting any shots, through-balls or moves to break down their opponents.
Morocco, meanwhile, caused problems for Enrique’s side on the counterattack, forcing goalkeeper Unai Simon to make several good saves.
The Atlas Lions used the pace of Hakim Ziyech and Soufiane Boufal to great effect and a foul on the latter gave the African side the first scoring opportunity as Achraf Hakimi blazed over a free-kick.
Defender Nayef Aguerd later headed over, while Marco Asensio hit the side-netting for Spain.
Dani Olmo recorded Spain’s first shot on target in the 54th minute with an angled shot which Bounou palmed away.
Enrique then sent on Alvaro Morata and Nico Williams in a bid to inject life into his team, but Morocco dug deep to get through extra time without conceding. Their astounding display ensured they finished as deserved winners following Spain’s subsequent collapse in the penalty shootout.
With a well deserved win of the match, expectations will be running high for the first Arab country to reach the tournament’s last eight. Who do you think will emerge victorious in tonight’s match!
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