Never before had an African team reached the semi-finals of the World Cup. But with the “whole” of Africa at their back, Morocco did the same process with Portugal as they have done with the big teams Belgium and Spain, namely to send them out of the World Cup. – It means an enormous amount for the country, the people and for the whole of Africa and the Arab world. This is definitely the biggest thing in Moroccan sports history, because football is the world’s biggest sport, says Tarik Elyounoussi to news. The former Norwegian national team player was born in Morocco and moved to Norway as a 12-year-old. DISSOLVED IN TEARS: Portugal’s superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. Photo: KAI PFAFFENBACH / Reuters He got to see his team continue their brilliant championship, where they have not conceded a goal from an opponent. The own goal against Canada in the group stage is the only goal the Moroccan “wall” has conceded. Portugal fielded their superstar Cristiano Ronaldo – who was benched for the second game in a row – to no avail. This ended Ronaldo’s probably last chance to become world champion. After the match, the TV pictures showed a Ronaldo who was dissolved in tears. – Solid goalkeeper blunder Portugal took an early hold on the game from the start and João Félix was dangerous up front on several occasions. First with a header from five meters that goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved, before after half an hour he tried his luck from 20 meters. On the half volley, the ball went through a Moroccan defender and landed on the roof of the net, behind a relieved and outstretched Bounou. CLOSE: Portugal’s João Félix had several great opportunities to send Portugal into the lead. Photo: KARIM JAAFAR / AFP But then the Moroccans woke up. The Arabs rolled up several good attacks, but neither Selim Amallah nor Sofiane Boufal managed to outwit Portugal goalkeeper Costa. But Morocco did not give up, and just before the break the Moroccan supporters went off the hinges. Attiyat Allah entered from his left side. Portugal goalkeeper Costa came out, but completely missed catching the ball. Spearhead En-Nesyri, on the other hand, came flying in, crushed Ruben Dias in the header duel and sent Morocco sky high. COULD CHEER: Morocco’s Youssef En-Nesyri. Photo: Martin Meissner / AP – It’s a fantastic performance by En-Nesyri. And then there is a serious goalkeeping mistake by Costa. He misses it completely. But the ending is fantastic, was the verdict from news expert Åge Hareide. – Totally crazy Portugal and Bruno Fernandes tried to respond to the cold shower directly. The Manchester United player tried his luck on the half-volley and almost copied Marco Van Basten’s legendary score in 1988, but the ball whizzed over the crossbar. – An absolutely crazy football match, was the summary from news commentator Andreas Stabrun Smith at halftime. In the second half, Portugal boss Fernando Santos took action, switching on superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. After the hour played, former team-mate Fernandes was again dangerously forward, when he hit just over the crossbar from 18 metres. Felix had a giant opportunity after 82 minutes played, but Bounou made a masterful save in his right corner. NEAR: Cristiano Ronaldo. Photo: Martin Meissner / AP Cristiano Ronaldo also had a great opportunity in extra time when he was played alone through with Bounou, but the goalkeeper saved Morocco once again. Portugal pushed desperately for an equalizer in the closing minutes, but Morocco defended masterfully. Walid Cheddira was sent off in the final minutes, but Morocco was still able to let loose the jubilation. Revealed Ronaldo confrontation Cristiano Ronaldo therefore had to find himself on the bench for Portugal for the second game in a row. Portugal’s national team manager Fernando Santos revealed on Friday that he had a meeting with the 37-year-old after the benching. – Cristiano was obviously not very happy about that, because he has always started outside of one or two games, and obviously he was not happy. He asked: “Is that a good idea?”. But we had a normal conversation where I explained my point of view. He accepted it, Santos said. After the group stage match against South Korea, Santos lambasted Ronaldo’s behavior after the superstar showed clear displeasure after being substituted. After the match, Ronaldo was placed on the bench. It has stormed around the Portuguese in recent weeks after he said he felt betrayed by his own club Manchester United in an interview with Piers Morgan. Two weeks ago he was done with the club. – I feel betrayed. Cristiano Ronaldo holds nothing back in the interview that sends shockwaves through the football world.
ttn-69
Morocco with a historic achievement – sent Portugal out of the World Cup – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
