FIFA World Cup: In a David v Goliath fixture between Spain and Morocco, the African nation came out on top and knocked out the 2010 World Cup winners. All eyes were on the La Roja and they were expected to defeat Morocco and make their way to the Quarters. The Moroccans had different plans and they romped home 3-0 on penalties to send La Roja back on the flight to Spain. Watch FIFA WC LIVE Streaming on Jio Cinemas & FIFA World CUP Latest Points Table & result updates with InsideSport.IN
FIFA WORLD CUP 2022/ FIFA WORLD CUP SCHEDULE/ FIFA WORLD CUP GROUPS/ FIFA World Cup Points Table/ FIFA World Cup Latest Updates
FIFA World Cup: Rise of UNDERDOGS, Morocco become GIANT KILLERS to reach FIFA WC Quarterfinals for first time – Check Out
Morocco has been in top form this World Cup so far. They haven’t lost a single game so far and topped their group, trumping the likes of Croatia and Belgium. Playing Spain in the Round of 16 would have been a tough assignment for them. Though, they never let that deter them, as they showed their mettle and recorded an unbelievable victory.
England vs France: Is Kylian Mbappe Injured? France superstar misses training ahead of CRUCIAL WC quarter-final vs England – Follow FIFA World Cup LIVE
Knowing how Spain likes to pass the ball around, they defended deep and let Spain have the ball. The plan was simple – hit them on the counter. This tactic worked out superbly for them too. As the game went on, they started getting more opportunities on the break. Spain’s defensive lines were stretched by this tactic but La Roja held on.
The fourth African team to reach the men’s World Cup quarterfinals.
MOROCCO MAKE HISTORY 🇲🇦🌍 pic.twitter.com/z8aNIWOsZd
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 6, 2022
The chances for both teams were few, but Morocco had the better ones. For the majority of the game, Spain had possession for possession’s sake and didn’t create much. With fatigue creeping in, both teams made changes and tried to find the winner within 120 minutes, but it wasn’t found. Penalties were going to be the decider in this crunch game.
Spain Vs Morocco Highlights: Spain in mourning, local Moroccans rejoice at World Cup surprise
FIFA World Cup: Rise of UNDERDOGS, Morocco become GIANT KILLERS to reach FIFA WC Quarterfinals for first time – Check Out
Luis Enrique spoke about how they took 1000 penalties to train for this moment, but when it mattered the most, they faltered. Spain failed to score a single penalty, while only Badr Benoun missed for the Moroccans. Yassine Bounou was on fire in goal as he saved 2 out of the 3 penalties.
Achraf Hakimi, the lad born in Madrid, had the last laugh at the Spanish dream, with his panenka penalty which sealed the deal.
Achraf Hakimi hit the waddle after his game-winning panenka 🐧 pic.twitter.com/5nUdpytPGV
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 6, 2022
With this win, Morocco qualified for the Quarters of the World Cup for the very first time. They are just the fourth to reach the quarterfinals from Africa. The Atlas Lions now have momentum on their side having managed results against Croatia and Spain. The African outfit will be looking to cause an upset in their clash against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.
Follow InsideSport on GOOGLE NEWS / Watch FIFA WC LIVE Streaming on Jio Cinemas & FIFA World CUP Latest Points Table & result updates with InsideSport.IN