Morocco beat Spain after a penalty shootout in the round of 16 at the Qatar World Cup, advancing to the quarter finals of the tournament for the first time ever.
The Spaniards were unable to score a single penalty in the shootout, with the first penalty taken by late substitute Pablo Sarabia, who hit the post after the Moroccans cooly slotted in their first.
Hakim Ziyech went on to score Morocco’s second penalty with Moroccan keeper “Bono” saving Spain’s second penalty effort. The Moroccans then missed their third penalty thanks to an Unai Simon save, giving the Spaniards a ray of hope. The Spanish captain Sergio Busquets, who could well have been playing his last match for Spain, then had his penalty saved, leaving the Moroccans needing just one more to go through.
Madrid-born Achraf Hakimi stepped up calmly and sent Spain packing with a steely ‘”panenka” to send the Moroccans to the quarter-final – a first for any Arab nation.
It was the first penalty shootout that Morocco has ever taken part in at a World Cup.
The development indicates Morocco will play against Portugal on 10th December 2022
Currently, eight countries tussle for the World Cup. Netherlands against Argentina, Croatia against Brazil, England against France and Morocco playing Portugal
Morocco has so far conceded ONE goal through four World Cup matches and as they are now heading to their FIRST EVER World Cup quarterfinal
They drew Croatia and defeated both Belgium and Spain in the process 😮
What an incredible story 👏