Morocco has entrenched itself in World Cup historical past as the primary African crew to achieve the semifinals, and Portugal has crashed out in unceremonious style.
The dialog following Morocco’s 1-0 defeat of Portugal within the quarterfinals Saturday in Doha, Qatar, will inevitably heart on Cristiano Ronaldo, who was not included within the beginning lineup for the second straight recreation and whose worldwide profession is probably going completed.
However first, a second for Morocco.
“We did it for Africa and all of the Moroccan folks,” midfielder Bilal El Khannous mentioned following the match.
As for Ronaldo, this World Cup was additionally the second when the pomp and circumstance surrounding him got here to a grueling finish. From the interview with Piers Morgan on the eve of the match to his launch by Manchester United to his try throughout the group stage to take credit score on a Bruno Fernandes aim, the previous couple of weeks have been nothing however cringe.
If he does certainly find yourself enjoying in Saudi Arabia, as experiences have prompt, Ronaldo will end his profession removed from the highlight he clearly adores.
As for this recreation, although, Ronaldo’s impression after approaching at 51 minutes was nearly predictably minimal. Portugal managed to get on the assault, however its talisman couldn't provide you with the type of second that Lionel Messi offered for Argentina lower than 24 hours earlier.
Probably the most threatening shot got here not from Ronaldo, however from João Félix, whose 81st minute shot appeared destined to twist into the highest nook earlier than Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bonunu acquired a hand on it. Ronaldo was denied by Bonunu within the 91st minute after a cutting-through ball sprung him on the counterattack. Pepe glanced a 97th minute header simply large of the put up, and Portugal couldn't provide you with an equalizer via eight lengthy minutes of stoppage time.
As has been the case all match, Morocco was stout in protection and unforgiving on the counterattack. Youssef En-Nesryi scored the lone aim within the forty second minute, a leaping header over keeper Diogo Costa.
Bizarrely, Portugal’s Pepe and Bruno Fernandes each blamed Argentinian referee Facundo Tello, saying that eight minutes of stoppage time was not sufficient and that he shouldn't have been allowed to officiate a match with Argentina nonetheless within the match.
Morocco, and all of Africa, will righteously giggle at that notion.
“Usually African soccer has been described as subpar, inferior to elsewhere, however on this World Cup run, I feel we’ve proven we can provide anybody a run for his or her cash,” Moroccan supervisor Walid Regragui mentioned forward of the match. “Why not an African World Cup champion sooner or later?”
Overlook the long run — why not now?
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