Qatar 2022: History made as Morocco beat Portugal to advance into semi-final

In-depth match report as Morocco made history becoming the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals with victory over Portugal; Youssef En-Neysri beat Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa to a cross for the winner.

Morocco became the first African country to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup as Youssef En-Nesyri’s leaped highest to score the only goal of the game in the first half that eliminated Portugal from the World Cup.

En-Nesyri capitalized on Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa’s error to score a historic goal for Walid Regragui’s team and the entire African continent.

Even Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival in the 51st minute—he was once again benched by Fernando Santos, his manager—failed to spark a Portugal comeback as Bruno Fernandes struck the crossbar and Goncalo Ramos and Bernardo Silva both missed the goal from strong positions.

Late in the game, Morocco needed a miracle from goalkeeper Bono who turned away shots from Ronaldo and Joao Felix while Pepe squandered a clear chance in the final minute of stoppage time.

Walid Cheddira, a substitute striker, was also dismissed for receiving two rapid yellow cards.

Morocco’s unexpected journey to the semifinals—during which they defeated Belgium, Spain, and Portugal and allowed just one own goal in five World Cup games—sets up a clash with the winner of the last quarterfinal match between England and reigning World Cup holders, France.