Morocco makes history, First African team to reach World Cup semifinals, 1-0 win against Portugal

Morocco became the first African nation to reach the World Cup semifinals as Youssef En-Nesyri's first-half goal sealed a tense 1-0 victory over Portugal on Saturday at Al Thumama Stadium.

The Atlas Lions, also the first Arab team to make the last four, added Portugal to their list of European scalps with a resolute second-half performance.

Cristiano Ronaldo has likely played his last World Cup match after making an ineffectual appearance as a second-half substitute, failing to score his first knockout-phase goal at the tournament.
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*The soccer world rejoiced at Morocco's historical accomplishment.*

Portugal came in favored to win and dominated possession the entire game. But Morocco once again found a way to win at this World Cup in Qatar.

The game's only goal came just before halftime in the 42nd minute when Morocco's Yahya Attiat-Allah lofted a ball in front of the Portugal goal and Youssef En-Nesyri soared high and headed it down past the keeper. En-Nesyri is the first Moroccan player to score at two World Cups.

Morocco's defense sparkled once again - particularly the sensational play of goalkeeper Yassine "Bono" Bounou. None of Morocco's opponents this World Cup — Croatia, Belgium, Canada, Spain or Portugal — has scored a goal (the one credited to Canada was an own goal by Morocco).

Morocco is the first Arab country to go this deep into a World Cup and, now, the first African country to reach the semifinals of a World Cup. Across Doha - and the Arab world - fans have turned out in force to cheer for their Cinderella team.
#morocco #moroccanstyle #moroccan #worldcup #playoffs #atlaslions #qatarworldcup #penaltygoals
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Related:
Historic World Cup win: Penalty kicks, Morocco made history sensationally beat Spain 3-0:
[https://youtu.be/mg9KmxGBX2o]
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Penalty kicks, Morroco made history sensationally beat Spain 3-0:
[https://youtu.be/SEfdt0N5Ctw]
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Moroccans celebrated on Thursday after their team qualified for the knockout stages of the World Cup:
[https://youtu.be/86Grgfbw-uk]