Morocco became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final following a 1-0 win over Portugal.
Striker Youssef En-Nesyri scored the winning goal three minutes before halftime, leaping highest to connect with Yahya Attiyat-Allah’s cross and beat goalkeeper Diogo Costa to the ball and head in to spark pandemonium at Al Thumama Stadium.
Portugal skipper Bruno Fernandes came agonisingly close to levelling just minutes later but a brilliant individual effort struck the crossbar.
Cristiano Ronaldo came off the bench in the 50th minute to equal the men’s all-time appearance record of 196 in international matches, but he could not drag his side back into the contest.
Morocco sat back for the majority of the second half and Yassine Bounou brilliantly tipped over Joao Felix’s drive as the Europeans drew closer to an equaliser.
Morocco striker Walid Cheddira was sent off for a second yellow card in eight minutes of additional time but Portugal could not find the equaliser as Morocco became the first African nation to break the quarterfinal hurdle.
The winner of tonight’s game between England and France which will kick off by 8pm will face Morocco in the semifinal on Wednesday.
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