In an absolute shocker on Tuesday afternoon in Doha’s Education City, Morocco gained victory over Spain to make it to the Quarter Finals and take on the Portugal- Switzerland winner. The scores were locked for 0-0 after 90 minutes of the game and remained unchanged in the extra time as well.
Morocco beats Spain in a Penalty shootout to ensure their Quarter Finals tickets
After a goalless 120 minutes of the game, the penalty shootout didn’t go well for the Spanish players, despite their coach making them practice ‘1000 penalties.’ Morocco, on the other hand, booked their quarter-final tickets for the first time ever in World Cup history.
Pablo Sarabia had hit the post, and both Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets kicks were impressively saved by Yassine Bounou, who was captured to be in years after the final whistle blew.
The Spanish players were in tears, too, as it was difficult for them to accept a defeat as such, with not a single shot getting inside the goal in the penalties.
By the end of the extra time, the statistics reflected that the 2010 champions had 77% of the play possession but only had a shot on target. In the final penalty round, the North African nation’s players held their nerves to deliver an outstanding performance, whereas it was a total disappointment for Spain being unable to score in the shootout.
Unai Simon, the Spanish goalkeeper, had saved one penalty, which came from Morocco’s third shot by Badr Benoun. However, by then, they were already leading the scores, with Abdelhamid Ssbiri and Hakim Ziyech hitting the first two respective shots successfully.
In the end, it was Achraf Hakimo, with their last (fourth shot) successful kick in the shootout, that ensured Spain’s exit from the tournament.
First Quarter Final
The Moroccan fans will be supremely excited to see their team entering the Quarterfinals of the Football World Cup for the first time ever. The winner of Portugal vs Switzerland will face them in the round of 8.
Stay tuned to find out what’s next!
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