Morocco has qualified for the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time since 1986 at the expense of Spain. A nerve-wracking game, in which both teams failed to score in both regular time and extra time, was decided with a penalty shootout. The Moroccans were superior to the Spaniards in this: 3-0.
In the first half, Spain was more solid on the ball, but was unable to get through the strong defense of Morocco. The most dangerous opportunities were for the North African country. However, neither team came close to scoring.
In the second half, the Spaniards continued to search. From the 70th minute, the fighting Moroccans lacked the energy to get much in front of the Spanish goal, but the defensive wall — guarded by former FC Utrecht and Feyenoord player Sofyan Amrabat — remained standing proudly.
Just before the end of the first half of extra time, Morocco had another huge chance, when Walid Cheddira only headed for Unai Simón, but the ball hit the Spanish keeper.
The final minutes of extra time were chaotic. It was clear that the Spaniards wanted to be ahead of a penalty shootout and Morocco no longer made dangerous attacks. In the absolute final phase, Spaniard Pablo Sarabia shot from a difficult position on the post.
So it was penalties. The Moroccans took them much better than the Spaniards. Spain missed all three penalties, completing the country’s penalty kick trauma. In 2018, the Spaniards were also eliminated in the round of 16 after staff kicks, then by Russia.
Youngest player since 1958
Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, better known as Gavi, was lined up with the Spaniards. At 18 years and 123 days, he is the youngest player in more than sixty years to participate in a match in the knockout phase of a World Cup. In 1958 Brazil managed to kick it past the group stage. Then Brazilian football legend Pelé joined. He was only 17 years and 249 days.
This article is also part of our live blog: Morocco wins penalty shootout against Spain and qualifies for the quarterfinals of the World Cup for the first time since 1986