FIFA World Cup 2022, Match 59, Quarter-finals: Morocco defeat Portugal 1-0 to seal their berth in Semi-finals

On 10 December 2022, the third quarter-final of the ongoing FIFA World Cup took place. Portugal took on Morocco in Al Thumama Stadium. Portugal were coming off after a 6-1 victory over Switzerland in the Round of 16. On the other hand, Morocco defeated Spain in a penalty shootout in the last round.

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So, the stage was set for a great battle between these sides. However, all eyes were on Cristiano Ronaldo as he started the last game on the bench. So, questions were there whether he will start this important clash on the bench again or in the starting playing XI.

Morocco defeated Portugal 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2022

Speaking of the match, Portugal came close to opening the scoring in the fifth minute only. Joao Felix managed a diving header from an excellent cross from Bruno Fernandes. But, Morocco’s goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou reacted sharply to deny him. Then, in the seventh minute, Youssef En Nesyri had a free header to score the opener for Morocco from a cross from Hakim Ziyech.

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After that in the 26th minute, En Nesyri’s had another chance but his effort was completely mistimed. But, in the 42nd minute, En Nesyri did not mistime any header as he scored the opener. Yahya Attiat-Allah delivered that assist. Thus, the first half ended 1-0. In the second half, Cristiano Ronaldo came in as a substitute. In the 49th minute, Morocco were looking to double the lead. But, Portugal's goalkeeper, Diogo Costa made a comfortable save to deny them. 

Then, in the 58th minute, Goncalo Ramos had a header that went off the target by some inches. After that, in the 64th minute, Fernandes hit a ball from the outside of the box that went over the bar. In the 82nd minute, Joao Felix hit an outrageous shot but Morocco’s goalkeeper made a great save. Then, Portugal tried hard with more chances but failed to score the equalizer. Thus, the game ended 1-0 in favor of Morocco.