It was yet another heartbreak written on the cards for Luis Enrique’s Spanish side in the FIFA World Cup. After losing to Russia in the penalties in the Round of 16, the same fate continued for them. Spain lost to Africa’s Morocco in the penalties in the Round of 16 in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
The game saw no goals from either side during regulation time, stoppage time, and even extra time. The possession however was dominated by Spain but they failed to convert their chances. Penalties were the only option left to separate the two equally fierce teams.
Spain failed to net a single goal as Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made three saves. The hero of the moment, Bounou was visibly ecstatic. While on the other end, it was contrasting emotions for Spain as they crashed out once again in a heart-breaking fashion.
Unai Simon managed to save only 1 Moroccan goal but it was mostly over when the goal-takers failed to convert their chances.
The heroic performance of Bounou against Spain will be remembered for quite some time as he single-handedly powered Morocco to their first-ever quarter-final in the FIFA World Cup. It is indeed a historic and landmark moment for The Atlas Lions.
Morocco thereby becomes the first Arab team to qualify for the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup. They become the second African team after Ghana to reach this stage. A lot of expectations will be on them. Even though they will come into the quarter-finals as the dark horses, teams should not take them lightly. Morocco will now face the winner of Portugal by Switzerland in their quarter-final game.
The match will be taking place on 10th December 2022 and it is slated to begin at 8:30 PM (IST) at the Al Thumama Stadium.
