Morocco entered into the historical books in the WC tournament after they became the first African nation to reach the semi finals of the tournament. Other African teams which came close to this glory are Ghana and Cameroon who were eliminated at the quarter finals. The Atlas Lions however were brave enough to handle Spain in the last sixteen stage before they dealt with Portugal in the quarter finals in a dramatic match which saw the Atlas Lions sending Cristiano Ronaldo out of the tournament in disappointment. As a matter of fact they also proved a great team against France in the semi finals by creating many chances for themselves. However it was France who made good use of their chances to win by two goals.
Despite the exit at the semi finals the Moroccan team as recorded many memorable moments in the World Cup tournament in Qatar 2022. Some of which remain to be unbelievable.
1. Topping Their Group
Morocco had shown the signs earlier in the group stages. Whereas all the African teams that have gone past the group stage have done so by qualifying as number two, Morocco led their group.
In a group made of tough teams such as Croatia and Belgium it was expected that Morocco would not go through the group stage. However they led the group forcing Croatia to settle as number two while Belgium and Canada left the tournament at the group stage.
2. Ended Belgium's Group Stage Winning Series
Before the two nil defeat against Morocco, Belgium had a record of eight matches unbeaten in the group stage.
The Atlas Lions surprised the Red Devils in the second match of the group stage. The VAR ruled out a goal by Ziyech which could have made it three for the Atlas Lions.
3. Knocked Out Giant Teams Without Conceding
In the round of sixteen Morocco faced Spain who have been among the top teams expected to win the trophy. The 2010 World Cup winners were a combination of talented players in Qatar and it was so clear as day that they would knock out Morocco easily. Morocco however emerged the winners in penalty shoot out after a defensive match where Spain were pushing for a winner all in vain.
In the quarter finals Morocco faced another giant team, Portugal. With Cristiano Ronaldo eagerly intending to win the trophy before is expected retirement from international football, it was highly expected Portugal would proceed to the semis. However the history makers disappointed the Portuguese by defeating the one nil.
In store the African team is expected to take Croatia to see if they can be the first African team to secure the third position in the World Cup tournament. And even if they don't, still being number four will be history.
Content created and supplied by: BrotherSuleiman (via Opera News )
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