Morocco ousts Spain, books spot in World Cup quarter-finals

Morocco stunned World Cup favourites Spain to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.

The North African country triumphed 3-0 on penalties to became the first Arab team to reach the quarter-final stage in the history of World Cup.

MOROCCO SHOCK SPAIN AND BOOK THEIR SPOT IN THE #FIFAWorldCup QUARTER-FINALS ??#DimaMaghrib | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/uFJOLUJpuI

— Road to 2022 (@roadto2022en) December 6, 2022

The game, held in the Education City Stadium, last for 120 minutes, with no goal to either team’s credit. However, Morocco prevailed on penalties, with Spain-born Achraf Hakimi hitting the game-winning shot and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou making two saves.

In the wake of the historic win, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, took to Twitter to share a celebratory message.

المستحيل ليس مغربياً .. المستحيل ليس عربياً .. أسود ورجال المغرب ?? بكم نفخر ونفاخر العالم.. pic.twitter.com/zDwA1Tt7bA

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) December 6, 2022

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, also hailed the Moroccan team.

“Congratulations to Morocco for this deserved victory and outstanding heroic performance,” Sheikh Hamdan wrote on Twitter.

مبروك للمغرب هذا الفوز المستحق والأداء البطولي المتميز … أسود الأطلس سجلوا اليوم إنجازاً غير مسبوق في تاريخ الكرة العربية بالتأهل لدور الثمانية. pic.twitter.com/XjI52xSMmg

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) December 6, 2022

Morocco will face off against Portugal in the quarter-finals on December 10.

The quarter-final matchups are set! ?

Comment the four flags that will make it to the semi-finals ⤵️#Qatar2022 | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/tpTWw5j8I9

— Road to 2022 (@roadto2022en) December 6, 2022