The Atlas Lion of Morocco on Saturday became the first African team to reach World cup semi finals after defeating Portugal 1-0 in one of the quarter final match of the ongoing 2022 world cup tournament currently going on in Qatar.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: The Atlas Lions withstood great pressure from their opponents, putting up another great defensive performance to keep the Portuguese at bay.
The Moroccans cleared everything that was thrown in their way while also helped by the heroics of goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to keep their fourth clean sheet in five games.
The North Africans had little of the ball but utilised when they could, while they resisted the temptation to get out of their shape as the front three constantly tracked back to help out defensively to maintain the result.
Victory makes Morocco the first African country to ever reach the World Cup semi-final, following several failed and painful attempts.
ALL EYES ON: Defender Jawad El Yamiq was thrown into the deep end in what was his first start at the tournament and the Valladolid man looked assured alongside captain Romain Saiss, clearing danger in the air and on the ground.
THE VERDICT: Having put aside Croatia, Belgium, Spain and now Portugal, Morocco cannot now be ruled out of going all the way in Qatar.
WHAT’S NEXT? The Atlas Lions will take on the winner between France and England in the semi-finals.
