Doha: Morroco, with a tough defence, pushed the former champions Spain out of the FIFA World Cup 2022, Qatar, Round of 16 match in a penalty shootout at the Education City Stadium here on Tuesday. In the match in which Morocco marked its maiden entry to FIFA quarters, the score was 3-0.
Though not imposing, the victory was surprising for Morocco, who became the only African and Arab nation to reach the finals in Qatar, IANS reported.
Pushing both the Spanish team and its fans to despair, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved efforts by Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets. For Morocco, Abdelhamid Sabiri and Hakim Ziyech scored, along with Achraf Hakimi.
Spain, the 2010 champions, became another major European casualty after Belgium and Germany crashed out, with the former succumbing to Morocco in a Group stage match.
Both teams took several shots at the goal during the regulation time but were unable to make a dent in the scoreboard.
The Spaniards raised the pressure to a peak on the Moroccan defence around the 80th minute when two attempts closely missed the net.
Both halves of extra time show Spain dominating Morocco, but they were unable to breach the latter's red defence wall.
Morocco coach Walid Regragui's men have been on a nine-game unbeaten run, including this match and have received accolades for their team spirit.
Morocco battle Portugal in their quarterfinal match on December 10 Saturday.