Match report as Spain are dumped out 3-0 on penalties by Morocco; Nayef Aguerd headed over within the first half for Morocco as Spain’s assault faltered; Pablo Sarabia grazed a publish with a volley within the remaining minute of extra-time; Morocco will face Portugal on Saturday at 3pm
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Morocco are within the World Cup quarter-finals for the primary time in historical past after Spain missed three penalties in a dramatic shootout following a 120-minute stalemate.
Spain’s deficiencies in assault had been laid naked – restricted to only one shot on the right track throughout the match, their lowest-ever in a World Cup recreation – as they had been finally dumped out.
Morocco had the perfect probability of the primary half when West Ham centre-back Nayef Aguerd headed over from shut vary. In further time, following a colorless second half, Morocco substitute Walid Cheddira was denied one-on-one by Unai Simon earlier than Spain’s Pablo Sarabia grazed a publish with a volley within the remaining minute.
With each side unable to be separated, Sarabia extremely hit a publish once more with Spain’s first spot kick earlier than Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets had theirs saved by Bono, leaving Achraf Hakimi to coolly chip the successful penalty down the center to ship Morocco by way of.
Morocco will now face Portugal, who hammered Switzerland 6-1 of their last-16 tie, within the quarter-finals on Saturday December 10 at 3pm.
Participant scores:
Morocco: Bono (8), Hakimi (8), Aguerd (7), Saiss (8), Mazraoui (7), Ounahi (7), Amrabat (8), Amallah (6), Ziyech (7), En-Nesyri (6), Boufal (7).
Subs: Ezzalzouli (6), Cheddira (6), Sabiri (7), Allah (6), Yamiq (6), Banoune (n/a).
Spain: Simon (7), Llorente (5), Rodri (7), Laporte (7), Jordi Alba (5), Gavi (5), Busquets (5), Gonzalez (6), Torres (5), Asensio (5), Olmo (5).
Subs: Morata (5), Soler (5), Williams (6), Fati (6), Balde (6), Sarabia (n/a)
Man of the match: Sofyan Amrabat
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Luis Enrique’s facet had 77 per cent possession and made 926 correct passes but they had been unable to interrupt down a resilient Morocco. Spain laboured all through with Gavi’s shot pushed onto the crossbar by Bono earlier than Ferran Torres’ follow-up was blocked within the six-yard field, however the offside flag was up anyway. Marco Asensio had their greatest opening of the primary interval, latching onto a ball in behind the Morocco defence and volleying it into the side-netting.
Morocco had already seen Hakimi whistle a free-kick not far over earlier than Simon gathered Noussair Mazraoui’s long-range effort on the second try. Their golden probability, although, got here when former Southampton winger Sofiane Boufal crossed for Aguerd, who despatched a free header over.
The second half grew to become extra irritating for Spain as Sofyan Amrabat, within the coronary heart of the Morroco midfield, was excellent, coupled by dominant centre-back performances from Aguerd and Romain Saiss.
Cheddira nearly received it for them in extra-time, denied by the correct leg of Simon, though they rode their luck when Sarabia volleyed off a publish with the final kick.
He struck the woodwork once more moments later, side-footing his penalty off the correct publish after Abdelhamid Sabiri had put Morocco forward. Hakim Ziyech doubled their benefit and Bono put them getting ready to victory, saving from Soler.
However Badr Benoun was stored out by Simon to maintain Spain in it though Bono delivered as soon as extra, instantly denying captain Busquets earlier than Hakimi audaciously received it with a Panenka.
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Enrique:
Now shouldn’t be the correct time to discuss my future
On his future as Spain boss, Luis Enrique stated: I do not know the choice. This isn’t the correct time to discuss my future, this isn’t related, not necessary. My contract goes to finish however as you recognize I’m very blissful on the nationwide crew and with the federation. I have to assume what’s greatest for me and the nationwide crew.”
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On the penalty shootout, Enrique stated: It is my duty. I picked the primary three penalty-takers, after which they might resolve themselves. However the first three had been my choice, and I might’ve accomplished the identical factor once more. The one factor I needed I may do was to take Bono out and put one other goalkeeper in there.
On defeat to Morocco, Enrique instructed TVE: We fully dominated the match, it is a disgrace it went that means.
It is essentially the most tough factor, enjoying towards a crew like Morocco who’re laborious staff.
The penalties value us, however I’m very happy with the crew and all of the gamers. I am very sorry concerning the consequence however I congratulate Morocco.
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