After a rather insipid round of 16 finish on penalties, Morocco took out Spain to climb into the quarters of the 2022 World Cup. It owes it in large part to its goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, author of two parades in the decisive series (3-0 pens). For their first appearance at this stage of the tournament, the Atlas Lions will face Portugal or Switzerland on Saturday at 4:00 p.m.
Spain played their usual game, looking to deprive the opposition of the ball. But even possessing the sphere for three quarters of the time in their ranks, the Spaniards tirelessly stumbled on the grouped defense of the Moroccans, particularly in the 2nd half.
The exit of Sofiane Boufal in the 67th minute corresponded to the end of the offensive ambitions of the players of Walid Regragui. The Angers striker had until then been Morocco’s main attacking leader. He had thus sent a superb center for the head of Nayef Aguerd, whose test passed above the goals of Simon (42nd).
Imperial bounou with tabs
During extra time, the Moroccans showed admirable courage, huddled together in front of their goal, but they might also have opened the scoring through Cheddira. Except that the doorman Simon was impeccable in his stop (104th). And, at the end of the end of the 2nd extension, the former PSG striker Pablo Sarabia benefited from the best Spanish opportunity, seeing his resumption of the right hit the right post.
The penalty shootout was fatal to the Spaniards. Sarabia (post… once more!), Soler and Busquets (superb stops by Bounou) did not convert their try. On the other side, Achraf Hakimi validated the Moroccan victory with a superb “Panenka”. He and his partners are now waiting for Portugal or Switzerland in the quarter-finals, Saturday at 4:00 p.m. (on RTS2).
ats/ace