Morocco progressed into the quarter-final of the World Cup to book a mouth-watering tie against Portugal or Switerzerland after beating Spain on penalties.
In a cagey affair, Morocco started the game on the front foot with an intent to press and cause Spain some problems. But once Luis Enrique’s side got hold of the ball, they dominated possession and Morocco decided to sit in a compact shape and they made it hard for Spain to create many chances at all in the first-half.
Dani Olmo had Spain’s best opportunity midway through the second period with a ferocious free-kick but the Morocco goalkeeper did well to palm the ball away from safety. Opportunities were few and far between as the game drew to a close – meaning extra-time would be played for the second time at the tournament.
Morocco then came the closest to opening the scoring in the first-half of extra-time through Walid Cheddira as he ran clean through on goal. It was a fine move from the Moroccans but substitute Cheddira fired his effort straight at Unai Simon – to the frustration of the majority of the fans inside the stadium.
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After a barrage of attacks from Spain towards the end of the game, Morocco held out for penalties. And they were right to do so as the North Africans ran out 3-0 winners from the spot with Hakim Ziyech, Abdelhamid Sabiri and Achraf Hakimi scoring the decisive kicks.
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