Morocco’s historic World Cup win in opposition to Portugal was marred by an damage to talismanic defender Romain Saiss, who could should miss the semi-final on Wednesday.
The Moroccan skipper was in tears as he was taken off the sector on a stretcher 13 minutes into The Atlas Lions’ 1-0 victory over the 2016 European champions on Saturday.
Youssef En-Nesyri’s header late within the first half was the distinction on the Al Thumama Stadium, as 10-man Morocco turned the primary African aspect in historical past to qualify for the semi-finals of a World Cup.
Morocco skipper Romain Saiss left the pitch in tears after sustaining an damage in opposition to Portugal
The north Africans will face both England or France within the semi-finals on Wednesday after ending Portugal’s dream of progressing previous the final eight for the primary time since 2006.
However they could have to take action with out Saiss, who performed a mixed 176 video games within the Championship and within the Premier League throughout six seasons at Wolves.
The 32-year-old was again on his ft at full-time and consoled former Wolves teammate Ruben Neves.
He was certainly one of Morocco’s a number of damage doubts forward of the sport together with fellow defender Nayef Aguerd and midfield dynamo Sofyan Amrabat.
Aguerd missed the win over Portugal after choosing up an damage within the Spherical of 16 victory in opposition to Spain, however Amrabat performed all 90 minutes on Saturday.
The previous Wolves defender was an damage doubt forward of the quarter-final
Saiss has been a vital a part of Morocco’s defence, which has conceded only one objective in 5 video games in Qatar thus far
‘We’re not going to cover it, we’re drained,’ coach Walid Regragui mentioned forward of the sport in opposition to Portugal.
‘However if you go this far within the event it’s important to depend on all people within the squad. […] We gained´t be in search of excuses, we’re right here on a mission.’
Saiss has been a vital determine in Morocco’s defence, which has conceded only one objective in 5 matches in Qatar thus far – an personal objective by Aguerd in opposition to Canada.
