Morocco 1-0 Portugal (En-Nesyri 42′)
AL THUMAMA — Arabian dreams have come true. Africa has a World Cup semi-finalist. What a night, what a story, what a noise and what a team this Morocco side are. Cristiano’s crying, well done.
The result is a shock, but there was no fortune involved as Morocco sent Portugal and Ronaldo crashing out on the most mesmeric and unforgettable night in Doha. Even with several injuries depriving them of some key players, the efforts of those in red in the Al Thumama Stadium was awe-inspiring. Angers livewire Azzedine Ounahi bossed midfield at the age of 22, Yahia Attiyat Allah, who plays football in his homeland, had the game of his life at full-back. Sofyan Amrabat – where do you want your statue?
There were heroes all over the pitch, with Youssef En-Nesyri’s goal making this team immortal. It appeared Cameroon football federation president Samuel Eto’o had completely lost his mind when he suggested last month that an African side will reach the final. Instead, clairvoyants the world over want to know his secret.
Having disposed of Spain last time out, Morocco were looking for a second successive victory over Iberian opponents – something the Byzantine Empire could not even achieve. A nation believed, the entire Arab world was waiting with bated breath.
An Arab country had never had a team in the quarter-finals of the World Cup, never mind in last four. Three African nations had previously got to this stage, and all could not go one step further.
They came in their droves. Some were Moroccan, some local Qataris, some draped in Palestinian flags to show solidarity with their Arab brothers – but unlike earlier in this tournament, those of the Middle Eastern persuasion in the stands were not all here to see Ronaldo. The western attitude towards Qatar and several other neighbouring countries has helped unite a region and a heritage.
Supporters switching their allegiances away from the most famous jobseeker in the world was well time as, again, Ronaldo did not start. After a phalanx of photographers to capture him in the dugout had dispersed, the veteran could only look on as Morocco set about another earth-shattering scalp.
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Coming into the match, Morocco averaged 32 per cent possession in their matches – only one team in Qatar averaged less. Against a star-studded Portugal they stuck to their principles and went even more Jose Mourinho, enjoying 27 per cent of the ball. It was more than enough, as they were the better team, and created the better chances.
With a supreme backline that had only conceded once all tournament – an unfortunate own goal against Canada – Morocco never looked troubled before En-Nesyri, who had scored two goals all season with his club, Sevilla, in all competitions, netted for the second time in Qatar, bulleting a header home that Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa will not want to see again.
Bruno Fernandes’ cross hit the crossbar as the first half drew to a close, before Ronaldo was brought off the bench after the break, with Fernando Santos looking more and more desperate on the touchline.
Morocco goalkeeper Bono was forced into a super save to deny Joao Felix from a Ronaldo knockdown, while the former Manchester United forward almost broke Moroccan hearts late on, but again Bono was equal to it.
Another seasoned pro Pepe really should have buried a golden chance right at the death, but lady luck was shining on those most deserving. The noise on the final whistle, and the scenes of euphoria, will live long in the memory.
Ronaldo could not force himself to watch, but he missed out on a moment that stands football apart from most other sports. One goal has united the Arab people, given an entire continent something it thought would never come, and given thousands of people, from all over a region, the greatest night of their lives.