Morocco – Spain: Atlas Lions topple La Roja

MOROCCO – SPAIN: THE LIONS OF THE ATLAS OVERTURN THE ROJA

Morocco – Spain: It is a historic moment for the Moroccans! For the first time in their history, they have qualified for the quarterfinals of the World Cup. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou put in an outstanding performance, saving three of Spain’s attempts in the penalty shootout (3-0 after a 0-0 draw at the end of extra time).

MOROCCO MAKES HISTORY

We could see a lot of joy on the face of Achraf Hakimi and his team. This December 6, 2022 will remain in the history of Moroccan soccer. For the first time, the Atlas Lions will be in the quarter-finals of a World Cup, after having snatched their qualification on penalties against a disappointing Spanish team (0-0, 3-0 t.a.b.). The PSG right-back ended the session with a panenka in the center of the goal.

This qualification is also historic for an entire continent: Africa. This is only the fourth time in the history of the competition that an African team has qualified for the quarterfinals, after Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010. On Saturday, December 10, Morocco will have the opportunity to become the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup. To do so, they will have to beat Portugal, who defeated Switzerland 6-1 on Tuesday evening.

DISILLUSIONMENT FOR SPAIN

For Spain, this is a huge blow. The Roja had well monopolized the ball against the Atlas Lions. But like four years ago against Russia, this possession was completely sterile in terms of goal opportunities (the first Spanish shot on target came in the 54th minute).

It will have finally been taken to the penalty shootout by Moroccan conquerors who have not let go throughout the game. On the Spanish side, no player will have succeeded in shooting at the goal: neither the Parisians Pablo Sarabia and Carlos Soler, nor the experienced Barcelona player Sergio Busquets, the last survivor of the 2010 World Cup won by Spain in South Africa. Like four years ago, La Roja leaves the World Cup in the round of 16.