‘One of the biggest World Cup shocks ever’ – Morocco make history as they become first African side to reach semi-finals by dumping out Portugal as Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup journey ends in disaster
Morocco have sealed their place in history by beating Portugal 1-0 to become the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals.
The Atlas Lions, who ended the match with ten men, will now face England or France in the last four after Youssef En-Nesyri's first half header.
Described as 'one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history', Morocco continue to defy the odds having now beaten Belgium, Spain and Portugal.
Much of the talk prior to the match was whether Cristiano Ronaldo would start, with Fernando Santos once again favouring Goncalo Ramos.
But it was En-Nesyri who instead seized the chance to create headlines after heading home in the 42nd minute.
After coming on shortly after the break in what will likely be his last World Cup, Ronaldo spurned one of Portugal's best chances to equalise in injury time.
Played in through in the 91st minute by Bruno Fernandes, his first time effort was brilliantly saved by Yassine Bounou.
Portugal were then boosted by Walid Cheddira's sending off after two quick yellow cards, with Pepe then missing from just a few yards out in the dying seconds.
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Against all the odds, Morocco managed to survive as they yet again kept a clean sheet in Qatar to create history for Africa.
Incredibly, Morocco have conceded just once at the World Cup so far - an own goal in the 2-1 group stage victory over Canada.
Ronaldo was quick to depart the pitch as he made his way back to the changing room in a flood of tears.
In what is his fifth World Cup, Ronaldo has now failed to score a goal in the knockout stages despite having 27 shots from his 570 minutes of action.
marvelbet369.commentator Nigel Adderley said: "This is one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history."
Former England international Dean Ashton added: "Everything we thought we knew is wrong.
"We will never forget where we were when Morocco refused to accept what has befallen so many other African nations."
Full credit has to go to Morocco boss Walid Regragui, who only took charge in August.
He is yet to taste at the helm of Morocco having won five of his eight matches.
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