From the start, FIFA 2022 has been a playground for unexpected upsets. Morocco shocked 2010 world champions Spain in their round of 16 match to advance to the quarterfinals as the tournament reached its last leg with teams vying for a spot in the final.
The game was back and forth from the beginning to the conclusion, and after regulation and stoppage time, both teams were held to a scoreless tie. Yassine Bounou, the Moroccan goalie, put on his best performance of his career as the game moved into penalty shootouts to determine the winner. He stopped all three Spanish attempts, while his teammates scored three of their own to secure a 3-0 victory and advance to the FIFA 2022 quarterfinals.
The added stoppage time and 90 minutes of regulation play were pretty underwhelming as The best chance came from Morocco in the opening period, featuring a close-range header by the defender Nayef Aguerd that flew over, while Spain, who had the ball most of the time but didn’t pose much of a threat, saw Marco Asensio hit the post. The opportunities in the second session were again slim. The penalty shootout, though, was when the action really happened!
THE MOROCCAN PENALTY FAIRYTALE!
The penalty shootout began with Morocco taking the opening shot. Simon walked into position to protect the goal!
- Morocco Shot #1
Sabiri enters to deliver Morocco’s opening strike. Past Simon, he fires it in!
Score: Morocco – Spain (1-0)
- Spain Shot #1
Sarabia enters to fire first for Spain. He fires a strong shot, and the ball strikes a post. Wishing Yassine Bounou luck!
Score: Morocco – Spain (1-0)
- Morocco Shot #2
Ziyech steps forward to receive the blow, shoots, and buries it in the middle!
Score: Morocco – Spain (2-0)
- Spain Shot #2
For the second penalty strike, Soler enters the game. He throws the ball to the right, but Bounou dives just in time to stop it!
Score: Morocco – Spain (2-0)
- Morocco Shot #3
Banoune is attempting to score a third for his group. This time, Simon leaps to block his shot as he shoots.
Score: Morocco – Spain (2-0)
- Spain Shot #3
Busquets is about to make a pivotal strike, but Bounou is swift and dives in time to make the save!
Score: Morocco – Spain (2-0)
- Morocco Shot #4
Hakimi enters for what might be the final shot. He makes a shot and beats Simon to the ball! Morocco has advanced to the quarterfinal round!
Score: Morocco – Spain (3-0)
Although Spain entered the game as the tournament’s favorite, they were unable to overcome the odds in this crucial match. The 2010 world champions ultimately lost to Morocco in the World Cup last 16 on penalties after failing to score on any of their three opportunities. The Moroccans, who have had a fantastic tournament thus far, will now play either Switzerland or the Portugal team that Cristiano Ronaldo is leading in the quarterfinals.
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