Portugal has featured in the FIFA World Cup on seven occasions, and their first time was in 1966 when they finished third. In recent years, Portugal has been a frequent favorite on account of constantly having great players. They have, however, failed to get passed the semi-finals since losing to France 1-0 at the stage in 2006. If you want to know about End Of The Road For Brazil, click here.
First time for Morocco
In what will be Morocco’s first-ever quarter-finals at the World Cup, they are set to become just the fourth African country to reach the stage. Although their run in Qatar so far has been impressive, it can only get better if the North African side becomes the first African country in the semi-finals; they just have to beat Portugal. So far, at the Qatar World Cup, Morocco has been one of the best teams.
Credits: NBC News
Anchored on defense, they are unbeaten and yet to be scored against by an opponent, as they have conceded only their own goal. The Atlas Lions’ only previous appearance in the last 16 was back in 1986.
This Moroccan team has not only broken new ground for their nation but holds the hopes of entire Africa. Their round of 16 matches against their European neighbors, Spain, was a historic performance. With the quality and commitment of Hakimi, fellow full-back Noussair Mazraoui, their experienced captain Romain Saiss, center-backs, and the relentless midfield anchor Sofyan Amrabat, they held off Spain.
Although they battled hard and resisted the Spanish fatal passing approach, the North African side sacrificed the bulk of possession and settled for a barren draw. In the penalty shootouts, it was goalkeeper Yassine Bounou who stole the show. He saved two spot-kicks before Achraf Hakimi scored a glorious panenka to secure the victory.
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Tiebreaker
Morocco and Portugal have met on two previous occasions, both times at the World Cup. Although the record between them is tied at one win each, Morocco won by three goals to one in the group stage of the 1986 tournament in Mexico, while the Portuguese triumphed by a goal to nil at the same stage of the 2018 Russia World Cup.
At the Qatar World Cup, Portugal has been playing like a contender. Although their only loss was an upset 2-1 win by South Korea in their final group stage game, they came back in statement 6-1 thrashing of Switzerland in the round of 16.
Portugal’s most capped player Cristiano Ronaldo has seemingly been demoted to the bench after failing to be productive enough in the group stages. Ronaldo’s name has been covered in controversy ever since he expressed his displeasure towards coach Fernando Santos, who subbed him out against South Korea.
However, a new name has been discovered, Goncalo Ramos. The 21-year-old was exceptional against Switzerland, scoring the tournament’s first hat trick.
Will it be Portugal that finally cracks Morocco?
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