Morocco vs Portugal LIVE: World Cup 2022 result and reaction as Morocco seal historic win to knock out Ronaldo

Morocco vs Portugal latest updates

Morocco stun Portugal to become first-ever African side to reach World Cup semi-finals

17:19 , Michael Jones

Cristiano Ronaldo will never win the World Cup but an African team just might. A tournament that began with a historic feat by the only man to score in five World Cups now has another first and may yet end with a still greater achievement. Morocco have become Africa’s maiden semi-finalists and Walid Regragui, the manager who encouraged his country to dream, has given them reason to believe the greatest World Cup shock of all is possible.

Portugal join Spain among their victims. Like Belgium and Croatia before them, they were blunted by Moroccan obduracy, with the Atlas Lions’ fourth clean sheet the most remarkable: not because Ronaldo, the scorer of 819 career goals, came off the bench but because they ended with only Achraf Hakimi of their first-choice back four.

Resistance was allied with a goal that was celebrated far beyond Casablanca or Marrakesh. Morocco were willed on and whistled on, in effect the home side, representing the region of the Middle East as well as their own continent. As they succeeded where Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010 could not and took African football to a new frontier, it was thanks to a centre-forward with no goals in La Liga this season.

Morocco stun Portugal to become first African side to reach World Cup semi-finals

Ronaldo in tears as Portugal knocked out World Cup by Morocco

18:31 , Jamie Braidwood

‘They can now give World Cup to Argentina’: Pepe slams Argentine referee for Morocco vs Portugal

18:16 , Jamie Braidwood

Pepe insists Fifa “can now give the title to Argentina” after complaining about the Argentine referee in Portugal’s World Cup quarter-final defeat to Morocco.

Facundo Tello officiated the 1-0 win for the Atlas Lions, with Youssef En-Nesyri’s goal the difference between the teams.

But veteran centre-back Pepe was left furious by Tello’s influence, which follows the Albiceleste’s win over the Netherlands on Friday.

Lionel Messi and Emi Martinez hit out at Spanish referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz, calling on Fifa to drop him from the remainder of the Qatar tournament.

“It is unacceptable that an Argentine referee administered the game today after what happened yesterday,” Pepe said.

“With Messi complaining and Argentina talking. I’m not saying it’s conditional, but what did we play in the second half? Anything.

“Their goalkeeper was always stopped, only added eight minutes of injury time

“After what I saw today, they can now give the title to Argentina.”

Moroccan ecstasy at World Cup win shared by Africa and Arab world

18:01 , Jamie Braidwood

Moroccan fans exploded in joy as their team became the first from any African country to reach a World Cup semi-final, filling the stadium with a deafening roar and unleashing cheering, crying, dancing and singing on the streets back home.

“They made us happy and proud and they proved that they can make it to the final. Why not? We are so proud of this team that is supported by Africa and Arabs” said Siham Motahir, a young woman in Rabat where cafes had filled with fans to watch the game.

In an Abidjan cafe where people were watching the game and drinking beer to celebrate the win, customer Jules Goule said Ivorians were proud of Morocco’s win. “Through Morocco Africa has just shown that it can compete with other continents in football,” he said.

“Waoh, waoh… Morocco! It’s with great joy! Africa is shining! Go Africa!” shouted Agwe Jefferson, 28, a driver in Cameroon’s capital Yaounde.

As the game wound on, Morocco fans screamed “Ole, ole, ole!” in unison, drowning out the handful of Portuguese fans and whistling whenever Portugal took possession of the ball.

As Moroccan player Jawad El Yamiq circled the pitch with a flag draped around his shoulders, one fan stood motionless, looking out over the pitch with his hands over his mouth as if unable to take in the scale of the win.

But in Rabat, joyful fans thronged the streets, people poured towards the downtown square where Morocco’s victories are celebrated.

“The last few minutes felt like hours,” said one fan, Samir Saqri, as he joined a crowd pouring out from the cafe where they had watched the game to head downtown.

“Morocco is showing that African teams can compete at a high level,” he added.

Morocco make World Cup history

17:45 , Jamie Braidwood

Morocco’s win over Portugal has re-written World Cup quarter-final history.

Cameroon were beaten by England after extra time in 1990.

Senegal reached the same point in their defeat to Turkey in 2002.

Ghana were denied by Uruguay on penalties in 2010

Morocco prevail.

Morocco reach World Cup semi-finals with 1-0 victory over Portugal

17:33 , Michael Jones

Sofiane Boufal celebrating reaching the World Cup semi-finals with his mum at the Al Thumama Stadium.

Morocco reach World Cup semi-finals with 1-0 victory over Portugal

17:31 , Michael Jones

Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live following the final whistle and said:

“It’s really unbelievable, I’m so proud. It’s like a dream – unbelievable we’re in the semi-final.

“We deserve this, 1000%. How we fight, how we play, with our heart for our country for the people – it’s unbelievable. Our spirit, we have injuries, three defenders came in and how they defend, big respect.

“Respect everyone, the coach, the team, the staff. It was like we played at home, thank you for all the people.”

Morocco reach World Cup semi-finals with 1-0 victory over Portugal

17:28 , Michael Jones

Morocco have made history by becoming the first ever African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals. They executed a spectacular gameplan to get past Portugal in the quarter-finals and now face a wait to see who they will face in the final four.

Their opponents will either be France or England. Build-up for the fourth and final quarter-final is ongoing and the team news is due out soon.

Follow all the action right here:

England vs France LIVE: Line-ups, team news and latest updates

Morocco stand on the shoulders of giants to break new World Cup ground

17:25 , Michael Jones

Africa has its World Cup semi-finalists, and the tournament has its new heroes. Morocco have broken through thanks to Youssef En-Nesyri’s historic leap, but this was a victory delivered by the efforts of a sensational team. They have already conquered a part of of Europe, in knocking out Belgium, Spain and now Portugal. One of France or England will wait in the semi-final and on this evidence, neither will find the task of breaking down Morocco’s red wall any easier.

It is an improbable and astonishing achievement. Even at the first World Cup in history to be held in an Arab country, the idea of a team from the region leading a charge towards the latter stages of the tournament was barely considered. Few who endured Morocco’s goalless draw with Croatia could have possibly imagined that they were watching two semi-finalists.

The two nations punching well above their weight share plenty in common. Morocco’s squad do not have the same level of experience as Croatia but they have made up for it in their commitment and discipline. Backed by the whistles of jeers of the Morocco support, Walid Regragui’s side shuttled from side to side, grinding Portugal’s collection of star forwards down into a frustrated, panicked pack of individuals. Portugal would have known what to expect but the reality of what it requires to breach Morocco’s defence hits much harder when faced with the cauldron of red noise that Qatar has become.

Morocco stand on the shoulders of giants to break new World Cup ground

Morocco reach World Cup semi-finals with 1-0 victory over Portugal

17:22 , Michael Jones

Morocco reach World Cup semi-finals with 1-0 victory over Portugal

17:15 , Michael Jones

The celebration scenes are fantastic from Morocco. Head coach Walid Regragui has been hoisted into the air. The Moroccan flags are out, there are tears of joy.

The crowd are going wild too, they know they’ve just witnessed something special.

Cristiano Ronaldo left in tears after Portugal upset by Morocco at World Cup

17:14 , Michael Jones

Cristiano Ronaldo was left in tears as Portugal and his World Cup dream was ended by Morocco.

The 37-year-old immediately returned straight to the dressing room after the Selecao lost 1-0 to the Atlas Lions in the quarter-final tie.

Ronaldo, left in tears, was immediately consoled and escorted by a Portuguese FA member of staff.

It is likely the legendary forward’s last appearance in the competition, where he was left on the bench in the last two matches by Fernando Santos.

Cristiano Ronaldo left in tears after Portugal upset by Morocco at World Cup

FT Morocco 1-0 Portugal

17:11 , Michael Jones

Morocco are the first African team to qualify for the semi-final of a World Cup tournament – each of the previous three African sides to reach a quarter-final were all eliminated at this stage (Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010).

FT Morocco 1-0 Portugal

17:08 , Michael Jones

The Moroccan players look in disbelief at what they’ve just achieved. It’s a brilliant victory for them. They had a gameplan and executed it perfectly.

Portugal vs Morocco player ratings as Achraf Hakimi and Bounou inspire historic victory

17:05 , Michael Jones

Morocco secured their greatest-ever victory after edging past Portugal to become the first African team to make the World Cup semi-finals.

The Atlas Lions survived late pressure from the Selecao after grabbing the lead through Youssef En-Nesyri’s first-half header.

The goal came from Yahia Attiyat Allah standing a ball up to the penalty spot for the Sevilla striker to jump high and plant a header beyond the onrushing Diogo Costa into the empty net.

It was almost two after the second half resumed, Hakim Ziyech’s tantalising delivery getting the thinnest of touches from Jawad El Yamiq with the ball deflecting back out off Costa.

Bruno Fernandes went close with a thumping drive that beat Bounou but sailed just over the bar. It was one-way traffic as the Selecao pushed for an equaliser; Felix combining with substitute Cristiano Ronaldo before a powerful, curling effort forced Bounou into a brilliant save.

Walid Cheddira was sent off in stoppage time after collecting two yellow cards in two minutes. It could have been 2-0 late on but for Zakaria Aboukhlal’s lack of composure when sent through on goal one-on-one.

And Portugal almost punished Morocco with Pepe free at the back post and placing a header inches wide of the near post.

Here are the player ratings from the Al Thumama Stadium:

Portugal vs Morocco player ratings as Hakimi inspires historic win

FT Morocco 1-0 Portugal

17:02 , Michael Jones

Belgium have fallen, Spain were knocked out in a penalty shootout and now Portugal have failed to defeat Morocco. The Atlas Lions go roaring on.

Who will they face in the semi-final? France or England?

FT Morocco 1-0 Portugal

16:59 , Michael Jones

Youssef En-Nesyri is Morocco’s hero. His goal sends them through to the World Cup final four where they’ll play either France or England. Can Morocco get all the way to the final? It’s very possible.

Full-time: Morocco 1-0 Portugal

16:57 , Michael Jones

90+8 mins: Morocco have done it! They are the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals. Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal are knocked out!

Morocco 1-0 Portugal

16:53 , Michael Jones

90+6 mins: Morocco have every man back to defend now. Argentina did this last night and the Netherlands scored. Can Portugal follow suit or will Morocco hold them off.

Joao Cancelo sends a heavy pass out of play and more time ekes out of the game as Bono takes the resultant goal kick.

Red card! Cheddira is off!

16:52 , Michael Jones

Morocco 1-0 Portugal

90+4 mins: Is there a twist in the tale? Walid Cheddira lunges into a tackle on Joao Felix and collects a second yellow card in as many minutes!

Morocco are down to 10-men with four or five minutes to play.

Morocco 1-0 Portugal

16:51 , Michael Jones

90+2 mins: Bruno Fernandes is so frustrated as Horta slides the ball down the line but overhits it. Fernandes can’t keep it in play and boots the ball into the advertising boards.

Walid Cheddira is booked for a poor tackle on Pepe too.

Morocco 1-0 Portugal

16:49 , Michael Jones

90 mins: Morocco continue to struggle when they bomb forward. Walid Cheddira carries the ball into the and tries to feed a pass over to the back post but sends it behind for a goal kick.

Eight minutes of added time to play. Eight minutes for Morocco to hold out.

Morocco 1-0 Portugal

16:44 , Michael Jones

86 mins: The free kick comes to nothing as Ounahi intercepts and sprints up to the halfway line where he wins a free kick for Morocco. All the substitutions have been done so this is how the teams will end the 90 minutes.

Portugal in ultra attacking mode and Morocco firmly on the defensive.

Morocco 1-0 Portugal

16:42 , Michael Jones

84 mins: Portugal are firmly in the last chance saloon now. Bono leaps towards a shot from range and tips it over the crossbar before flapping away the resultant corner.

Morocco are hanging in there but they gift Portugal a free kick about 30-yards out from goal.

Morocco 1-0 Portugal

16:40 , Michael Jones

81 mins: Diogo Dalot is taken off to give Portugal an extra attacker up the pitch. Ricardo Horta replaces him.

Hakim Ziyech has hobbled back onto the pitch as Walid Regragui prepares to make a couple of substitutions himself. Ziyech and Sofiane Boufal go off.

Zakaria Aboukhlal and Yahya Jabrane are introduced.

Morocco 1-0 Portugal

16:36 , Michael Jones

78 mins: Morocco are still a threat on the counter-attack but they seem indecisive when they get into the final third.

Twice in quick successive the African side bomb up the pitch and carry the ball to the penalty area but both time they let themselves down with the final ball.

Hakim Ziyech has picked up a knock and needs some treatment.

Morocco 1-0 Portugal

16:33 , Michael Jones

75 mins: Morocco are under pressure. Portugal win three consecutive corners that all get whipped into the middle of the penalty area.

The third one looks to be heading straight to Joao Felix but Bono gets out and flaps the ball past the Portuguese forward to break down the attack.

Morocco 1-0 Portugal

16:30 , Michael Jones

72 mins: Morocco have switched it up and are now playing with a back five to make it trickier for Portugal to get at them. Fernando Santos has brought out Rafael Leao and Vitinha with Goncalo Ramos and Otavio the two men replaced.

Morocco 1-0 Portugal

16:27 , Michael Jones

69 mins: Nearly! Portugal spray the ball quickly over to Bruno Fernandes on the right side of the pitch and he darts inside before lifting the ball into the box.

Cristiano Ronaldo leaps for it but the ball goes over his head and gets claimed by Bono.

Morocco 1-0 Portugal

16:24 , Michael Jones

66 mins: Walid Regragui makes a couple of changes for Morocco now. The goalscorer Youssef En-Nesyri and Selim Amallah are replaced with Walid Cheddira and Badr Benoun.

Cheddira is quick and he’ll be the target for any outballs if Morocco find themselves under pressure at the back.

Morocco 1-0 Portugal

16:22 , Michael Jones

63 mins: The Moroccan fans are going crazy inside the stadium and are cheering every minor victory their team wins on the pitch. Joao Cancelo brings the ball down the left wing before passing it inside to Ronaldo.

Ronaldo attempts to return the ball but there’s an interception which puts it out for a throw in.

Chance! Portugal get the ball back in play quickly and pull it back to the edge of the box where Bruno Fernandes brings it under control the smokes a shot over the crossbar!

Morocco 1-0 Portugal

16:18 , Michael Jones

60 mins: Dari is called into action immediately as the ball is played over the top from Portugal. Joao Felix bombs down the left and carries the ball into the box but the substitute sticks with him and marshalls him out wide.

Felix gets it back to Otavio who feeds a pass over to Ronaldo. Ronaldo looks to cut onto his left foot and shoot but he’s tackled before getting a shot away.

Morocco 1-0 Portugal

16:16 , Michael Jones

57 mins: Saiss has gone down again off the ball and his match, and possibly his tournament, is over. The centre back is stretchered off the pitch and gets replaced with Achraf Dari.

Dari has got some big shoes to fill here.

Morocco 1-0 Portugal

16:13 , Michael Jones

55 mins: Romain Saiss, Morocco’s captain and main central defender, has a problem. He’s limping around after tweaking the hamstring injury he picked up against Spain.

At the minute he’ll play on but the coaching staff will keep an eye on his situation.

Diogo Dalot brings the ball down the right wing and whips a cross into the six-yard box. Goncalo Ramos makes a run to the near post but the ball squirts past him and is gobbled up by Bono in goal.

Morocco 1-0 Portugal

16:10 , Michael Jones

52 mins: Here we go. It hasn’t taken Fernando Santos long to call in reinforcements. Raphael Guerreiro and Ruben Neves are hooked off with Joao Cancelo and Cristiano Ronaldo brought on.

Can Ronaldo rescue Portugal’s World Cup campaign?

Morocco 1-0 Portugal

16:08 , Michael Jones

51 mins: Chance! Morocco win a free kick over on the right wing that Hakim Ziyech swings into the box. Jawad El Yamiq gets a touch to the ball and nods it at the goalkeeper who manages to get his hands up in time to palm it away.

The rebound then hits the Moroccan defender and bounces behind for a goal kick. That’s a solid save from Diogo Costa in the end.

Morocco 1-0 Portugal

16:06 , Michael Jones

48 mins: Ruben Neves feeds the ball out to the right wing for Portugal where Diogo Dalot receives the ball and bombs past Yahia Attiat Allah. The defender recovers well enough to block the ball out for a corner but the set piece is then cleared away by Morocco.

Pepe went down after a tug on his shirt and is begging the officials for a penalty but they ignored his pleas and allow the game to play on.

Second half: Morocco 1-0 Portugal

16:03 , Michael Jones

Can Portugal respond to going behind in this next 45 minutes. They need to find a way of opening Morocco up. No changes from either team at the break.

Morocco get the ball rolling for the second half.

HT Morocco 1-0 Portugal

16:00 , Michael Jones

Morocco are 45 minutes away from making history.

Portugal will make changes, swap things up in terms of formation and look to get this equaliser but a cleansheet will be enough to get the African team into the final four.

They’ve recorded shutouts against Belgium, Croatia, and Spain so far during this tournament. Will Portugal be the next team to fall to Morocco’s sword?

HT Morocco 1-0 Portugal

15:56 , Michael Jones

Youssef En-Nesyri has now scored more World Cup goals than any other Morocco player in their history in the competition (3).

HT Morocco 1-0 Portugal

15:52 , Michael Jones

Has Youssef En-Nesyri headed Morocco into the semi-finals? His goal is the difference between the teams at the break.

Half-time: Morocco 1-0 Portugal

15:48 , Michael Jones

45+2 mins: Bruno Fernandes hits the crossbar! He meets an aerial ball on the volley from the right side of the box and drills one at goal. The effort sails over the outstretched hands of Bono before dipping and landing onto the crossbar!

The whistle goes for half-time and Morocco head into the break with a slender lead in tact.

Morocco 1-0 Portugal

15:46 , Michael Jones

45 mins: Morocco have the goal they were hoping and know that a clean sheet will get them into the World Cup semi-finals. They’ve only conceded once all tournament so this is a big task for Portugal now.

Two minutes of added time to play in the first half.

GOAL! Morocco 1-0 Portugal (En-Nesyri, 42’)⚽️

15:42 , Michael Jones

42 mins: We have lift off! Azzedine Ounahi brings the ball through midfield and carries it out to the left side of the final third before leaving it with Yahia Attiat Allah.

The left-back lifts a high ball into the penalty area. Youssef En-Nesyri makes a run from deep and leaps above Ruben Dias just as the goalkeeper comes out to claim the ball.

The Moroccan forward beats them both in the air and glances a header into the open goal!

Morocco 0-0 Portugal

15:38 , Michael Jones

39 mins: A different mode of attack sees Morocco send a long ball over the top as Boufal and En-Nesyri make runs in behind the Portugal defence.

It almost pays off but the ball takes a forward bounce away from En-Nesyri before coming safely through to Diogo Costa.

Morocco 0-0 Portugal

15:37 , Michael Jones

36 mins: Morocco’s wingbacks, Attiah Allah and Hakimi, seem more willing to get forward now. The African side have assessed Portugal’s attacking tactics and have decided that they can take the attack to the European side more frequently.

Boufal has a go from outside the box now and curls a shot into the arms of Diogo Costa. This game isn’t going the way Portugal want at the minute.

Morocco 0-0 Portugal

15:35 , Michael Jones

33 mins: Shot! Ounahi switches the ball over to Boufal on the left side and he brings the ball to the edge of the box before slipping it up to Attiah Allah on the overlap.

The wingback pulls the ball back into the middle of the box where Amallah fizzes a first time effort well over the crossbar!

Morocco 0-0 Portugal

15:31 , Michael Jones

30 mins: Close! A diagonal ball comes into the Moroccan box and Jawad El Yamiq softly nods the ball over to Joao Felix. The Portuguese forward hits one with the outside of his right foot but El Yamiq manages to get a block in and deflect the effort over the crossbar!

That shot could have gone anywhere.

Morocco 0-0 Portugal

15:29 , Michael Jones

27 mins: Morocco have already beaten Belgium at this World Cup and played out two goalless draws with Spain and Croatia. The only team to score against them is Canada in a game that Morocco had to win.

Portugal are lacking a clinical edge they showed against Switzerland.

Morocco 0-0 Portugal

15:25 , Michael Jones

24 mins: Joao Felix whips a free kick into the box from the left wing but Bono is off his line quickly to claim it. Bruno Fernandes challenges the keeper in the air and collides with Bono knocking both men to the ground.

The Moroccan players aren’t happy with that challenge and swarm Fernandes but the referee quickly deals with the situation and calms everyone down.

Morocco 0-0 Portugal

15:22 , Michael Jones

21 mins: More nice work from Morocco as Azzedine Ounahi sends the ball out to Ziyech on the right side. Ziyech’s cross comes straight into the arms of Diogo Costa but Morocco recover the ball after the goalkeeper chucks it into midfield.

Ziyech wins a corner with another attempted cross but Portugal deal the with set piece easily enough.

Morocco 0-0 Portugal

15:19 , Michael Jones

18 mins: Chance! Hakim Ziyech receives the ball on the right wing and cuts inside for Morocco when he gets into Portugal’s final third. He lets fly with a left-footed shot but drags the effort wide of the near post.

That’s a sighter for him though. His next effort will have to be much better.

Morocco 0-0 Portugal

15:17 , Michael Jones

15 mins: The game is settling into a familiar rhythm. Portugal slowly build up an attack, Morocco defend it competently and then try to break up the pitch.

Morocco 0-0 Portugal

15:14 , Michael Jones

12 mins: Close! Portugal win a free kick over on the right side of the pitch and Bruno Fernandes curls it deep into the far side of the box. Ruben Neves nods the ball back into the middle but it gets cleared as far as Raphael Guerreiro.

The Portuguese left-back drills a first time shot at goal but doesn’t get it through the cluster of bodies and Morocco scramble it clear.

Morocco 0-0 Portugal

15:12 , Michael Jones

9 mins: Attiat Allah brings the ball down the left side before sending a pass inside to Sofiane Boufal. He feeds a lovely ball into the near side of the penalty area where Selim Amallah collects the pass and spins away from a challenge.

He looks to square it but just ends up giving away possession. These are bright signs for Morocco though.

Morocco 0-0 Portugal

15:07 , Michael Jones

6 mins: Close! Attiat Allah bombs forward on the left wing and shows his speed as a wingback for Morocco who attack on the counter. His attempted cross gets blocked behind for a corner.

The corner swings into the middle of the penalty area where Youssef En-Nesyri meets the ball in the air and nods it over the crossbar!

Morocco 0-0 Portugal

15:06 , Michael Jones

3 mins: Morocco will try to keep things tight and keep Portugal quiet before hitting them on the counter attack. Diogo Dalot brings the ball down the right wing for Portugal but is met by a sliding tackle from Yahia Attiat Allah.

It’s a heavy challenge which gifts Portugal a free kick. The set piece gets whipped into the box and Joao Felix meets it with a diving header that forces Yassine Bounou to parry the ball wide of the post!

Good save.

Kick off: Morocco 0-0 Portugal

15:01 , Michael Jones

Otavio kicks of the quarter-final for Portugal and the ball comes back to Ruben Dias in the back line. He encourages his team to push up the pitch before lifting a pass up to Goncalo Ramos.

The forward can’t bring it under control and Morocco take over possession.

Morocco vs Portugal

14:53 , Michael Jones

Portugal’s last appearance in the World Cup semi-finals was in 2006. Can they reach the final four once again today?

The light show finishes and the players head out onto the pitch ahead of the national anthems and kick off.

Morocco vs Portugal

14:50 , Michael Jones

Portugal’s 12 goals in this tournament have been netted by eight different players, which is the most different scorers they have had in a World Cup.

Fernando Santos’ men look dangerous and will be tough opponents for Morocco today.

Cristiano Ronaldo remains dropped as Portugal face Morocco in World Cup quarter-finals

14:47 , Michael Jones

Cristiano Ronaldo will start on the bench for the second World Cup match in a row as Portugal take on Morocco in the quarter-finals.

Ronaldo remains dropped from Portugal’s starting line-up as manager Fernando Santos keeps faith with Goncalo Ramos, who scored a hat-trick as Ronaldo’s replacement in the 6-1 win over Switzerland in the last 16.

The 37-year-old forward started each of Portugal’s three matches in the group stage but was dropped for the knockout stages, reportedly due to his reaction to being substituted in the 2-1 defeat to South Korea.

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) dismissed speculation this week that Ronaldo had threatened to leave the country’s World Cup camp after being dropped from the starting line-up, with Santos explaining his side of the story.

Cristiano Ronaldo remains dropped as Portugal face Morocco in quarter-finals

Morocco vs Portugal

14:44 , Michael Jones

Morocco have kept three cleansheets in four games at the 2022 World Cup, the most by an African side in a single edition of the tournament.

Everything seems to be falling in line for Walid Regragui’s team to achieve something remarkable at this tournament.

Morocco vs Portugal

14:40 , Michael Jones

Morocco are looking to become the first African team to qualify for the semi-final of a World Cup tournament.

Each of the previous three African sides to reach a quarter-final were all eliminated at this stage: Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010.

Will Morocco be the first African nation to reach the semi-finals?

Morocco vs Portugal

14:36 , Michael Jones

Against Switzerland last time out, Portugal’s Goncalo Ramos became the first player to score a hat-trick on his first World Cup start since Miroslav Klose in 2002.

Can he add to his World Cup tally today?

Morocco vs Portugal

14:32 , Michael Jones

The fans are ready for this one. Will Morocco continue their brilliant campaign or will Portugal take one step closer to the World Cup final?

Morocco vs Portugal

14:28 , Michael Jones

This will be the third meeting between Morocco and Portugal, with the previous two both coming at the World Cup.

Morocco won the first one 3-1 in a group stage clash in 1986, before Portugal won 1-0 in the 2018 tournament where they also shared a group.

Who will win today’s game?

Morocco flying supporters into Qatar

14:24 , Michael Jones

The impact of Morocco’s success in this tournament is massive for the African nation.

The country’s official airline has been laying on seven additional flights from Morocco to Qatar in order to get more fans to attend the biggest football match in the country’s history.

The Al Thumama Stadium will be packed with Moroccan fans this afternoon.

Morocco take over a World Cup that should always have been theirs

14:20 , Michael Jones

Morocco at last have their World Cup. The country that has spent so long trying to host the competition have probably gone one better and made themselves the story of this one.

It was a quite beautiful thing at Education City, that bore witness to a nation-making moment. That was what was most of all symbolised by the victorious Moroccan players bowing in front of their exuberant supporters, a moment of communion.

“When you have a heart, energy and love, you win matches,” mastermind head coach Walid Regragui said.

And yet there is a complicated truth to the pure joy of Morocco’s moment.

Morocco take over a World Cup that should always have been theirs

‘We have a plan’

14:16 , Michael Jones

Walid Regragui says his team have prepared well for today’s quarter-final and have a plan with how to deal with the threats that Portugal hold.

“We have respect for Portugal, they have great strikers. But they know we will be a challenge.” said the Moroccan boss,

“We are used to playing elite teams. We have a plan and we will try to pull off a surprise, but we need to focus on us and getting better as the match goes on.”

‘They are a very difficult team’

14:12 , Michael Jones

Portugal’s Otavio spoke to the media ahead of today’s match against Morocco and explained what he thinks about his team’s opponents.

“They are a very difficult team, we know that, most of the players have seen all the games in the World Cup.” he said,

“They haven’t lost any games and have only conceded one goal. They are very strong, but we want to win.

“They came with great fans, but inside the field it’s 11 against 11 and we want to win.”

Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal reject speculation over forward ‘threatened to leave World Cup’

14:08 , Michael Jones

Speculation that Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to leave the World Cup has been dismissed by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF).

After the 37-year-old was left on the bench for the Selecao’s 6-1 win over Switzerland in the last 16, rumours emerged that discussions took place between player and head coach Fernando Santos.

With the legendary forward reportedly threatening to leave Qatar before the crucial tie against the Swiss.

The friction appears to have emerged due to Santos’ anger at how Ronaldo responded to being substituted against South Korea, prompting Goncalo Ramos to get the nod in the starting line-up.

Portugal reject speculation Cristiano Ronaldo ‘threatened to leave World Cup’

Morocco duo out through injury

14:03 , Michael Jones

West Ham centre-back Nayef Aguerd and Bayern Munich full-back Noussair Mazraoui are both out injured for Morocco dealing a bitter blow to boss Walid Regragui.

Both men have been influential for the Arican side in their campaign so far and Morocco will loss a sense of security in defence for their absence.

Morocco vs Portugal

13:58 , Michael Jones

No Cristiano Ronaldo again for Portugal with the 37-yeard-old forward starting from the bench in this quarter-final.

His replacement for their last-16 fixture against Switzerland, Goncalo Ramos, scored a hat-trick in that match so he wasn’t going to get dropped after that performance.

Still, Ronaldo isn’t a bad option to have coming off the bench is he?

Morocco vs Portugal

13:54 , Michael Jones

Morocco go into the match against Portugal on a five-game unbeaten run at the World Cup, their longest ever streak without defeat in the competiton.

They’ve won twice and drawn three of those games.

Morocco vs Portugal team changes

13:49 , Michael Jones

There are two changes to the Moroccan side that defeated Spain in a penalty shootout during the previoud round. Defenders Nayef Aguerd and Nossair Mazraoui drop out with Yahia Attiyat Allah and Jawad El Yamiq coming in.

Cristiano Ronaldo is once again benched by Fernando Santos. Ruben Neves starts ahead of William Carvalho in Portugal’s only change.

Morocco vs Portugal line-ups

13:47 , Michael Jones

Morocco XI: Bounou; Hakimi, Jawad El Yamiq, Saiss, Attiat-Allah; Ounahi, Amrabat, Amallah; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal

Portugal XI: Costa; Dalot, Pepe, Dias, Guerreiro; Silva, Otavio, Neves; Felix, Ramos, Fernandes

World Cup 2022: Morocco vs Portgual

13:45 , Michael Jones

France or England await.

The winner of this tie will face the winner of the highly-anticipated quarter-final clash between France and England this evening.

The current World Cup holders are the favourites to beat Gareth Southgate’s men but this is probably the most even affair of the four quarter-finals.

No team has scored more goals at this World Cup than England while they have also been rock-solid defensively. However, their opponents have Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann as well as the valuable experience of getting through this stage of the tournament.

It should be an extremely intriguing and exciting contest.

Goncalo Ramos fills Cristiano Ronaldo’s shoes with dream World Cup hat-trick

13:42 , Michael Jones

Prior to Portugal’s World Cup last-16 match against Switzerland, Cristiano Ronaldo had played 13,250 minutes of international football, approximately nine days more than the 36 minutes played by Goncalo Ramos. Ronaldo had also scored 109 goals in 159 international matches, including at five World Cups, while Ramos had scored once in three substitute appearances.

But by the end of his first start for his country, as Portugal cruised into the quarter-finals of the World Cup with a thumping 6-1 win over Switzerland, Ramos had scored three more goals in the knockout stages of the tournament than Ronaldo has managed across his entire career. The 21-year-old’s sensational hat-trick will go down as one of great breakout displays in World Cup history.

The decision made by Portugal head coach Fernardo Santos to drop Ronaldo was a seismic one. Whether it was due to form or for disciplinary reasons, following the reaction to his substitution against South Korea, it was a decision that required every inch of a strong and experienced managerial backbone. That much was proved by the army of photographers camped outside the Portugal dugout, and as Santos ignored the screaming hordes and their shrieks when Ronaldo was shown on the big screen.

Goncalo Ramos fills Cristiano Ronaldo’s shoes with dream World Cup hat-trick

Regragui proud of Morocco’s achievements

13:38 , Michael Jones

Morocco have lit up the World Cup during this tournament not with their style of play which has been conservative at the best of times but with their doggedness to win and make history doing.

“I’m proud of my country and my team,” said head coach Walid Regragui. “You feel the positive vibe and everyone is acting like we are all part of the same family.

“People are identifying with us and we are uniting Moroccan people. That is more important than money and titles, but we are here to win games and go as far as we can in this tournament.

“We have Africa behind us and Arabic people, that’s important, but we are playing first for Morocco.”

Today at the World Cup: England set for France quarter-final showdown

13:34 , Michael Jones

England face the first big test of their World Cup credentials when they take on defending champions France in the quarter-finals on Saturday evening.

Gareth Southgate’s men are bidding to reach the last four for the third major tournament in a row, while Morocco can break new ground for African teams at the World Cup if they beat Portugal.

Friday saw the biggest shock of the tournament so far as Croatia knocked out Brazil, while Argentina edged past the Netherlands, with both matches going to penalty shoot-outs.

Today at the World Cup: England set for France quarter-final showdown

Erik ten Hag found out Cristiano Ronaldo wanted to leave Manchester United in TV interview

13:30 , Michael Jones

Erik ten Hag learned that Cristiano Ronaldo wanted to leave Manchester United from his headline-grabbing TV interview.

Ronaldo singled out the United boss for criticism on TalkTV, saying he had no respect for Ten Hag and felt betrayed by the club.

United responded by bringing Ronaldo’s second spell at Old Trafford to a hasty conclusion and Ten Hag has now opened up on his own feelings about the Portuguese star.

Erik ten Hag found out Cristiano Ronaldo wanted to leave Man Utd in TV interview

World Cup 2022: Morocco vs Portugal

13:26 , Michael Jones

Reaching the quarter-finals marks a best-ever performance at the World Cup for Morocco. The country had only once previously progressed to the knockout stages, on their second appearance in 1986.

Can they go one further and get past Portugal this afternoon?

World Cup 2022: Morocco vs Portugal

13:22 , Michael Jones

Walid Regragui says that the tournament has been difficult for his squad of players but that their historic results keeps the Moroccan side pushing forward.

“They are tired and we have injures, but we aren’t going to complain.” said the head coach, “You need everyone if you are going to go far.

“No matter who plays, we will give our best and not make excuses.”

World Cup 2022: Morocco vs Portugal

13:18 , Michael Jones

Argentina into World Cup semi-finals after penalty shootout win over Netherlands

As Emiliano Martinez’s spell persists, and Lionel Messi continues to conjure magic, Louis van Gaal’s charm at last wears off. But only just. Van Gaal enthrallingly and admirably pushed his Netherlands team and Argentina to the very limit, coming back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 and so close to the most fitting of victories.

It wasn’t to be, but only after a frankly unbelievable amount of drama and because Martinez remains the master at penalty kicks. The goalkeeper again ended up Argentina’s true hero, even on a night when Messi scored and produced one of his most inspired World Cup moments.

That means this may be the last match of Van Gaal’s career, but what a game. Qatar’s sportswashing now has an epic to go with so many great moments.

Argentina into World Cup semi-finals after penalty shootout win over Netherlands

World Cup 2022: Morocco vs Portugal

13:14 , Michael Jones

Yesterday’s quarter-finals had pretty much everything. Late drama in both matches, shock victories, penalty shootouts, tears and cheers.

Lionel Messi advanced to the semi-finals, Neymar didn’t. Here are the stories of the first two quarter-finals staring with Croatia vs Brazil:

Croatia knock Brazil out of World Cup after penalty shootout

World Cup 2022: Morocco vs Portugal

13:10 , Jamie Braidwood

Prediction

Not as simple a call as it is on paper, given Morocco’s stirring run to the last eight. Portugal only narrowly beat them in 2018 – courtesy of Ronaldo’s solitary goal – and another tight affair is likely here. However, the Portuguese are fresher and are full of confidence, so they should sneak into the semi-finals. Morocco 1-2 Portugal

Odds

Morocco – 9/2

Portugal – 4/6

Draw (after 90 minutes only) – 27/10

Via Betfair.

World Cup 2022: Morocco vs Portugal

13:06 , Michael Jones

When is Morocco vs Portugal?

The game is scheduled to kick off at 3pm GMT (6pm local time) on Saturday 10 December.

The quarter-final will take place at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha.

How can I watch it?

In the UK, the match will air live on ITV 1, and it will stream live on the broadcaster’s new ITVX app and website, formerly known as ITV Hub.

World Cup 2022: Morocco vs Portugal

13:03 , Jamie Braidwood

Team news

Morocco boss Walid Regragui has got his country to this stage by being consistent with his line-up, so Selim Amallah should continue ahead of Abdelhamid Sabiri in midfield. Other than that, no injury concerns were reported after the penalty shoot-out win against Spain, though the matter of fatigue could force Regragui’s hand.

Unsurprisingly, the big selection call for Portugal boss Fernando Santos is whether he once again leaves out captain Cristiano Ronaldo. Judging by the sensational hat-trick display by his replacement Goncalo Ramos against Switzerland, the 195-cap star could miss out once more. Similarly, will he leave out Joao Cancelo and Ruben Neves, and opt for Raphael Guerreiro and William Carvalho respectively once more? Defender Danilo Pereira is a doubt, while Otavio came through the Swiss clash unscathed.

Predicted line-ups

Morocco XI: Bono; Hakimi, Aguerd, Saiss, Mazraoui; Amrabat, Amallah, Ounahi; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal

Portugal XI: Costa; Dalot, Pepe, Dias, Guerreiro; Neves, Otavio; Silva, Fernandes, Felix; Ramos

World Cup 2022: Morocco vs Portugal

13:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Morocco play Portugal in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Qatar and with history on the line. Morocco can become the first team from Africa to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup if they beat the Portuguese, who are favourites to progress to the final four following their brilliant 6-1 victory over Switzerland in the last 16.

Morocco will be sure to put up more of a fight after they battled to a 0-0 draw with Spain, before holding their nerve in the penalty shoot-out to spark wild celebrations in the country and Arab communities across the world.

Walid Regragui’s side have already been one of the stories of the World Cup but the manager now wants his team to make history in Qatar. “We have already achieved great things but we feel it’s not enough,” he said. “We want to go further.”

Portugal manager Fernando Santos, meanwhile, made the huge decision to drop captain Cristiano Ronaldo in the last 16, only for the 37-year-old’s replacement Goncalo Ramos to score a stunning hat-trick in the 6-1 win. Santos now faces another big call as to whether to recall Ronaldo or stick with the 21-year-old sensation.

Source:The Independent