Morocco’s extraordinary run in Qatar continued in yesterday’s quarter-final as they claimed another leviathan scalp when they beat Portugal 1-0 to become the first African and Arab country to reach the World Cup semi-finals.
This is a massive victory for the game outside of Europe and South America, who have been the dominant force in the sport, winning all 21 previous editions of the World Cup.
Youssef En-Nesyri’s forty-second minute goal means Morocco are only the third country outside of Europe and South America to reach the last four, after the US at the first World Cup in 1930 and South Korea, co-hosts when they got to the semis 20 years ago.
In the other quarter-final, goals by Aurelien Tchouameni (17) and Olivier Giroud (78) gave France a 2-1 win over England that reward the holders with a World Cup semi-final slot – after Harry Kane equalized from the spot (54) but then blazed a second late penalty over the bar on Saturday. Yay-y-y-y!
France are now one win away from becoming the first back-to-back finalists since Brazil in 2002 and two from becoming the third team to retain the trophy after Brazil in 1962 and Italy in 1938.
On both predictions, I was right! Just so you know, I’m still rooting for Morocco to turn on their magic and win their semi-final against France!
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