World Cup

[monks data]

World Cup | Quarter-Finals

Dec 10, 2022 at 3pm UK

Al Thumama Stadium

Morocco
1 - 0
Portugal

En-Nesyri (42')
Dari (70'), Cheddira (90+1')
Cheddira (90+3')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Vitinha (87')

Sofyan Amrabat: 'Morocco progress at World Cup like a dream'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 10 December 2022

Sofyan Amrabat says that Morocco's progression through to the World Cup semi-finals courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Portugal is "like a dream".

Sofyan Amrabat has described Morocco's run to the World Cup semi-finals as "like a dream", insisting that his nation deserve their success.

Earlier this week, Morocco came through their last-16 tie with Spain, emerging victorious on penalties after holding the 2010 world champions to a goalless draw in 120 minutes.

The Atlas Lions were equally defiant on Saturday as they faced 2016 European champions Portugal, who had hit six past Switzerland on the same day as Morocco's famous win.

However, Morocco became the first African nation to reach the last four of this tournament with a 1-0 triumph over Portugal, Youssouf En-Nesyri netting the pivotal goal with a towering header towards the end of the first half.

Walid Regragui's side had further chances to extend their lead, but it was their resoluteness at the opposite end of the pitch which really shone through in adding Fernando Santos's team to their list of victims.

Morocco have now played Croatia, Belgium, Spain and Portugal without conceding a goal, the only effort being scored against them all tournament an own goal from Nayef Aguerd in their final Group F fixture with Canada.

Morocco's Youssef En-Nesyri scores their first goal against Portugal on December 7, 2022 © Reuters

Speaking after the game, Amrabat talked up the achievements of his nation, acknowledging that there was a state of bewilderment at going so deep into the competition.

The midfielder told BBC Radio 5 Live: "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 will now either England or France in the semi-finals, that tie to take place on Wednesday a day after the showdown between Argentina and Croatia.

However, Regragui faces a number of selection issues with Romain Saiss suffering with a hamstring injury and Walid Cheddira suspended after being dismissed for two yellow cards during the closing stages.

Aguerd and Noussair Mazraoui also missed Saturday's encounter through injury and will now need to be further assessed.