The first, proper shellacking of the World Cup play-offs is a fact. The round of 16 between Spain and Morocco eventually had to be decided by a penalty shootout, after what turned out to be a goalless match. There, the latter was the strongest, while the Spaniards failed completely and missed all their penalties. Morocco’s last defender Yassine Bounou was the big hero with three penalty saves. Morocco got off to a flying start from the chalk mark, while Spain had a leaden opening. Abdelhamid Sabiri and Hakim Ziyech scored their penalties, while Pablo Sarabia and Carlos Soler despaired over their respective misses. When Sergio Busquets also missed, Achraf Hakimi settled with an elegant penalty. This means that Morocco is ready for the World Cup quarter-finals after 3-0 in the penalty shootout. DISAPPOINTED: Photo: Ricardo Mazalan / AP Morocco pride Both teams were dangerous up front in the first half with each a big chance. First, Spain got a huge double chance with Pedri, who first put the ball over the crossbar before the drop fruit was blocked. It was later called off for offside. Towards the end of the half, Morocco would also get their first big chance. Sofiane Boufal elegantly dribbled past on the left, before breaking into the box. Nayef Aguerd was waiting there and headed the ball just over the goal. During the break, Morocco was praised, while the experts were critical of Spain. – Morocco has in many ways pushed itself against the great power, said Åge Hareide in news’s studio. – It is Morocco who look the most dangerous when they attack. They can be very happy with the first half, said Brede Hangeland in the studio. Photo: Martin Meissner / AP – They (Spain) need to attack the back room a lot more. The Spaniard is very keen to play the ball centrally and cut through Morocco’s defence, said Hareide. After the break, things did not get any better for Spain, in what was a chance-poor half. Towards the end of the first extra period, Morocco came close to deciding it all. Walid Cheddira stood almost completely alone, but put the ball right on Spain’s last chance. The Spaniards also had two great chances at the end of the match, but it was not to be in normal time. – Huge chance, said Brede Hangeland in news’s studio.
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