Morocco make history in stunning World Cup win against Portugal

It’s the first time an African team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup semifinals

Morocco recorded one of the biggest shocks in the history of the FIFA World Cup with a stunning 1-0 win against Portugal, becoming the first African team to qualify for the semifinals of the tournament.

A single goal towards the end of the first half from Youssef En-Nesyri proved enough to frustrate Portugal, who – despite the second-half introduction of Cristiano Ronaldo – couldn’t break down a spirited Moroccan resistance in what is one of the biggest days in the history of African football.

Portugal, who once again left Ronaldo on the substitutes’ bench, dominated possession throughout but struggled to create the type of gilt-edged chance against arguably the best defense in the tournament. They went behind towards the end of the first half when En-Nesyri rose highest to head home past Diogo Costa to spark frenzied scenes inside the Al Thumama Stadium.

Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes came close to leveling the scores just moments later, but his outstanding effort rebounded off the Moroccan crossbar.

Morocco