Morocco Storm To Quarters After Stunning Spain

Morocco are in the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in history after Spain missed three penalties in a dramatic shootout following a 120-minute stalemate.

Spain’s deficiencies in attack were laid bare – restricted to just one shot in the first 45 minutes, their fewest in a first-half of a World Cup game since at least 1966 – as they were eventually dumped out.

Morocco had the best chance of the match before half-time when West Ham centre-back Nayef Aguerd headed over from close range. In extra time, following a drab second half, Morocco substitute Walid Cheddira was denied one-on-one by Unai Simon before Pablo Sarabia grazed a post with a volley in the final minute.

With both sides unable to be separated, Sarabia incredibly hit a post again with Spain’s first spot kick before Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets had theirs saved by Bono, leaving Achraf Hakimi to coolly chip the winning penalty down the middle to send Morocco through.

Luis Enrique’s side had 77 per cent possession and made 926 accurate passes yet they had just one shot on target, unable to break down a resilient Morocco.

Spain laboured throughout with Gavi’s shot pushed onto the crossbar by Bono before Ferran Torres’ follow-up was blocked in the six-yard box, but the offside flag was up anyway. Marco Asensio had their best opening of the first period, latching onto a ball in behind the Morocco defence and volleying it into the side-netting.

Morocco had already seen Hakimi whistle a free-kick not far over before Simon gathered Noussair Mazraoui’s long-range effort at the second attempt. Their golden chance, though, came when former Southampton winger Sofiane Boufal crossed for Aguerd, who sent a free header over.

The second half became more frustrating for Spain as Sofyan Amrabat, in the heart of the Morroco midfield, was superb, coupled by dominant centre-back performances from Aguerd and Romain Saiss.

Cheddira almost won it for them in extra-time, denied by the right leg of Simon, although they rode their luck when Sarabia volleyed off a post with the last kick.

He struck the woodwork again moments later, side-footing his penalty off the right post after Abdelhamid Sabiri had put Morocco ahead. Hakim Ziyech doubled their advantage and Bono put them on the brink of victory, saving from Soler.

But Badr Benoun was kept out by Simon to keep Spain in it although Bono delivered again, immediately denying captain Busquets before Hakimi audaciously won it with a Panenka.

Morocco will now face either Portugal or Switzerland, who play this evening at 7pm, in the quarter finals on Saturday December 10 at 5pm. *SkySports*

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