North African side, Morocco on Saturday night became the first African country to qualify for the semi-finals of a World Cup after they defeated Portugal 1-0 in a game that ended the World Cup dreams of Cristiano Ronaldo.
A first-half goal from Youssef En-Nesyri was enough to secure a 1-0 victory for Morocco and make them the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup. Ronaldo, who came on as a substitute in the second half, could do nothing to get his side back in the game and was left devastated as he walked down the tunnel.
The former European champions almost took the lead, but Yassine Bounou made a fine save to deny Joao Felix.
The Sevilla striker rose highest to head past a stranded Diogo Costa.
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It proved to be the only game of the encounter, as the North Africans repelled the Portuguese onslaught to create history.
Morocco will now play France on Tuesday for a place in the final.
At 37 years old, the game was likely Ronaldo’s last game at a World Cup finals. The forward has now made 196 appearances for Portugal, making him the joint-top international appearance-maker in the men’s game.
Ronaldo will look to resolve his club career, having left Manchester United by mutual consent ahead of the World Cup. He is expected to sign a mega contract with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.
Africa Today News, New York reports that Morocco could go on to play in the finals if they can withstand a high flying Frech side on Tuesday as the tournament enters its final week.