By Morocco eliminated Spain from the World Cup in a penalty shootout on Tuesday, with Spanish-born Achraf Hakimi scoring the crucial spot-kick after Spain missed all three of their tries after a 0-0 tie after 120 minutes.
The African team put up a stubborn performance against the defending champions Spain, holding them to a 0-0 draw in regulation.
Throughout the tense game, the teams were closely matched, with Spain controlling most of the control. At the same time, Morocco, despite having fewer opportunities, had better chances—all of which were unsuccessful.
The additional 30 minutes were the same because neither team was able to break the tie before the knockout game’s penalty shootout.
Spain’s first penalty kick was missed by Pablo Sarabia, while Yassine Bounou saved shots from Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets. However, for Morocco, Abdelhamid Sabiri scored first before Hakim Ziyech doubled their position against Spain.
After Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002, and Ghana in 2010, Morocco became the fourth African side and the first Arab country to go to the round of eight. None of these sides has ever progressed.
Now, Portugal will face Morocco in the quarterfinals.
