Another African team was sent packing through a 4th minute header from Cristiano Ronaldo. Morocco joined Egypt as the second to be knocked out of the group stages of the 2018 edition of the FIFA World Cup.
The match started in Moscow, Morocco in their red strip and Portugal in white. Morocco knew they had to go all out because a loss would mean they were out; well I was Portugal who drew first blood and who else, Cristiano Ronaldo headed in his 4th goal of the campaign from a corner kick, 1-0 Portugal.
Ronaldo nearly grabs his second of the game in the 10th minute but can only wide off the far post. Morocco was in control of the game after conceding early and went close to an equalizer when Da Costa met Ziyechs cross with his head but Patricio saved it.
Morocco had another chance in the 20th minute when Dirar beat the offside trap to drill in a cross into the box but the ref called it back for a foul play. The North Africans were in control of the game most of the first half but were not able to get the much needed equalizer. Portugal came close to doubling their lead in the 40th minute when Ronaldo brought down the ball and played it beautifully in for Guedes but he fired straight at the keeper who saved comfortably. After 45 minutes it was Portugal 1 – Morocco 0.
Portugal started the second half with the same energy as the first, Fonte headed wide the ball from a corner kick and Ronaldo shot to the stands minutes later. Morocco eventually settled in and soon took control of the second half. Morocco came close in the 55th minute when Amrabat plays in Belhanda who picks his spot but the ball is gathered by Patricio. Belhander came close again from a sharp header but was brilliantly saved by Patricio.
Morocco continued to press in search for the equalizer. Ziyech comes close from a free kick which beat the wall, the keeper and the post. It was not to be for Morocco as the search for the equalizer never came even after dominating possession and having the better chances between the 2 sides. The referee blew the final whistle which confirmed Morocco’s elimination from the tournament.
With 4 points Portugal will feel safe but have to do well to beat Iran “who have 3 points” in their last group game to qualify out of the group.
Man of the Match: Rui Patricio, He denied Morocco and several occasions the chance of an equalizer.
Writer: Pamilern Daniels (20/6/2018)
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