Morocco are through to the semi-final stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup after beating Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal 1-0 during their quarter-final clash at the Al Thumama Stadium on Saturday.

Morocco’s aim was to make it to the semifinals after they create a standard for North African and Arab football by making it all the way to the quarterfinals of Qatar 2022.

The Atlas Lions fought valiantly against Spain in the round of 16, defeating them on penalties to advance to this stage for the first time.

◉ 3-0 vs Jamaica
◉ 2-0 vs Chile
◉ 0-0 vs Paraguay
◉ 3-0 vs Georgia
◉ 0-0 vs Croatia
◉ 2-0 vs Belgium
◎ 2-1 vs Canada
◉ 1-0 vs Spain
◉ 1-0 vs Portugal

Morocco have now only conceded one goal in their last NINE games, and that was scored by their own player. 🤯#MAR pic.twitter.com/X2Yj7fM8Fo

— Squawka (@Squawka) December 10, 2022

Portugal advanced to the quarterfinals on the strength of a victory over Switzerland in the round of 16, which they won 6-1.

The quarterfinal match between Morocco and Portugal was intriguing, defying most predictions that either team would move backwards today.

The Selecao controlled possession of the ball early on without producing many chances, but their opponents made multiple breaks through on the break before taking the lead thanks to a magnificent header from En-Nesyri.

Portugal had some incredible attacking talent on the bench, so it was reasonable for them to expect things to change after the break. However, the Moroccan defense was not easily broken.

The Atlas Lions advance to the final four courtesy to En-Nesyri’s spectacular first-half header as Morocco resolutely defends and displays excellent flair on the break.

They continue to excite their throngs of obnoxious fans despite dealing with a number of injuries, and after eliminating Belgium, Spain, and now Portugal, a pivotal match against either England or France looms.

With seven clean sheets in their last eight games, Walid Regragui’s well-drilled team are looking to make more history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Morocco became the first African World Cup semifinalist thanks to their tenacity. With their win today, they’ll play either France or England in the last four.

🇲🇦 History makers!🇲🇦
Morocco have made history!
The Atlas 🦁 are the first African and Arab country to reach the World Cup semi-finals!
They’ve beaten Portugal 1-0.
Yalla Morocco!!#MoroccoVsPortugal #MARPOR#PORMAR#Qatar2022#WorldCup2022#WorldCup pic.twitter.com/cUf6CeKOUs

— BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) December 10, 2022

Pepe and Ronaldo’s international careers come to a heartbreaking end as Portugal exits the World Cup, but their next generation has at least really shown potential to aim for glory at Euro 2024.

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