2022 World Cup Results Morocco vs Portugal: Score 1-0

The Morocco national team has succeeded in making new history at the 2022 World Cup. Morocco managed to become the first African team to qualify for the semifinals of the World Cup after they beat Portugal in the quarterfinals with a narrow score of 1-0.

Morocco's winning goal was scored by Youssef En-Nesyri in the first half.

First Round

The match, which was held at Al Thumama Stadium, started at a moderate pace. Both teams are careful to build their attacks.

Slowly but surely, Portugal began to dominate possession. However, it was difficult for Fernando Santos' men to penetrate the dense defense of Morocco.

The first dangerous chance of this match was only created in the 30th minute thanks to Joao Felix's powerful shot. But the ball deviated from the Moroccan goal because the ball hit the Moroccan defense.

Cool to attack, Portugal's goal broke first in the 42nd minute. Youssef En-Nesyri listed his name on the scoreboard after Yahia Attiyat Allah's cross was struck by the striker with his header in front of the Portugal goal. The score changed to 1-0 in favor of Morocco.

Behind 1-0, Portugal immediately increased the intensity of their attacks. Three minutes later, Bruno Fernandes almost equalized with a shot from the right, but unfortunately, his shot hit the Moroccan goal.

Until the referee blew the whistle signaling the end of the first half, Morocco still maintained their advantage with a score of 1-0.

Second Round

Portugal immediately stepped on the gas after falling behind by one goal in the second half.Bruno Fernandes and his colleagues increased the intensity of the attack to score an equalizer.

But the first dangerous chance in the second half was created by Morocco through Jawad El Yamiq's close-range header, which was saved by Diogo Costa.

The second half has been running for six minutes. Fernando Santos made two direct changes. He brought on Joao Cancelo and Cristiano Ronaldo to increase their striking power.

In the 58th minute, Morocco lost one of their key players. Due to an injury, Romain Saiss was forced to withdraw and was replaced by Achraf Dari.

The course of the match is still quite intense. Portugal still insisted on pressing the Moroccan defense, but the Portuguese players were not calm enough in front of goal so that the few opportunities they created did not end optimally. On the other hand, Morocco prefers to play patiently and launch counterattacks when the opportunity arises.

In the 82nd minute, Portugal almost equalized through Joao Felix's curling shot from outside the penalty box. Bounou took advantage of the Selecao's golden opportunity this time.

At the end of the second half, Bounou again became the difference for Morocco after he successfully broke Portugal's counter-attack, which was closed by Cristiano Ronaldo's shot.

Entering injury time, Morocco had to play with 10 players. Walid Cheddira received a red card from the referee after committing a foul on Joao Felix.

Superior in number, Portugal bombarded the Moroccan goal. However, in the dying minutes, Zakaria Aboukhal nearly caught Diogo Costa's goal on a counter-attack.

Composition of Players of the Two Teams

Morocco (4-3-3): Bounou; Allah, Saiss (from 58'), El Yamiq, Hakimi; Amallah (Cheddira 65'), Amrabat, Ounahi; Boufal (Jabrane 82'), En-Nesyri (Benoun 65'), Ziyech (Aboukhlal 82')

Trainer: Walid Reragui

Portugal (4-3-3): Costa; Guerreiro (Cancelo 51'), Dias, Pepe, Dalot (Horta 80'); Otavio (Vitinha 69'), Neves (Ronaldo 51'), Silva; Felix, Ramos (Leao 69'), Fernandes

Coach: Fernando Santos

Match Statistics

Morocco - PortugalScore: 1-0

Total shots: 8–11.

Shots on target: 2–3

Possession: 27%–73%

Fouls: 13-19Offsides: 1-2