Morocco supplied the most important shock of your entire World Cup on Saturday, knocking out large favourites Portugal to achieve the semi-finals in Qatar.
Walid Regragui’s males turned the primary African aspect to achieve the final 4 of the competitors after defending valiantly to grind out a 1-0 win towards Fernando Santos’ workforce on the Al Thumama Stadium on the weekend.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and goalscorer Youssef El-Nesyri had been glorious for Morocco, whereas Portugal ahead Cristiano Ronaldo – who stormed off the sector in tears on the ultimate whistle – and Diogo Costa, at fault for the purpose, struggled.
Beneath, Sportsmail‘s MATT BARLOW offers his participant scores and MAX MATHEWS provides his analysis of every efficiency.
Morocco supplied the shock of the World Cup as they beat Portugal 1-0 within the quarter-finals
Atlas Lions goalscorer Youssef En-Nesyri was glorious as his aspect progressed into the final 4
However Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo was left in tears after the loss – and under, Sportsmail ‘s MATT BARLOW offers his participant scores and MAX MATHEWS provides analysis of every efficiency
Portugal (4-3-3)
Diogo Costa – 5
At simply 23 years outdated, Costa is the way forward for Portuguese goalkeeping. However he might not be the current. Rui Patricio, 34, has not accomplished a lot incorrect, and Costa will rue his ill-fated sprint out of purpose that allowed En-Nesyri to nod in the one purpose of the sport.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Maybe surprisingly chosen forward of Manchester Metropolis star Joao Cancelo at right-back, Dalot was unusually subdued all through. He did not actually get near winger Sofiane Boufal in defence or bother Morocco left-back Yahia Attiyat-Allah in assault.
Pepe – 6
Certainly an ignominious exit for the ultimate time from a World Cup. The 39-year-old was strong sufficient in defence however gave away a number of foolish fouls and missed a sitter on the finish. The fixed histrionics and shouting on the referee do him no credit score.
Younger goalkeeper Diogo Costa was at fault for En-Nesyri’s purpose, leaving the web unguarded
It’s going to absolutely be an ignominious exit from the World Cup for a ultimate time for defender Pepe, 39
Ruben Dias – 6
Didn’t stand out and customarily did his job nicely – aside from a second of indecision which contributed to the one purpose of the sport, not difficult En-Nesyri within the air. Which will have been right down to getting a shout from Costa, although, to be truthful.
Raphael Guerreiro – 6
Quieter than his earlier appearances, however he was reverse a fierce competitor in Hakimi. Changed shortly after the break.
Otavio – 6
His solely notable contributions to the trigger had been falling down theatrically to attempt to win free-kicks. Didn’t get entangled as a lot as he may or ought to have.
Ruben Neves – 6
Just a few crunching tackles early on set the tone for a bodily encounter, however his playmaking skills had been shackled and he was sacrificed for Ronaldo within the 51st minute.
An embarrassing dive from Bruno Fernandes (above) tarnished the midfielder’s efficiency
Bernardo Silva – 6
Supplied his attribute all-action efficiency however was unable to stay as much as his astronomically excessive requirements. He might be disillusioned.
Bruno Fernandes – 6
Appeared the almost definitely participant to create one thing for Portugal, with a Marco van Basten-esque dipping volley placing the bar. However overcooked a number of passes and dived within the penalty space when he may have shot. A combined bag.
Joao Felix – 6.5
Drifted out and in of the sport however stung Bono’s palms with a number of fiery pictures. Can create one thing out of nothing however wants extra consistency to complement his clear items.
Goncalo Ramos – 5
Had one opening, a second-half header, and missed it. The ruthlessness from the Switzerland thrashing deserted him.
Excessive-profile ahead Ronaldo missed a one-on-one and this may absolutely be his final World Cup
SUBSTITUTES
Cristiano Ronaldo (for Neves, 51mins) – 5.5
Oh, Cristiano. Had a one-on-one, shot straight on the close to submit, simply saved by Bono. His tears on the finish will adorn each newspaper’s again web page on Sunday. His powers are waning, and there is nothing he can do about it.
I’m wondering if he regrets that Piers Morgan interview. It isn’t been nice for him since then.
Joao Cancelo (for Guerreiro, 51mins) – 5
Had one eye-catching second of ability after approaching – however wasted it by dallying earlier than placing in his cross.
Rafael Leao (for Ramos, 69mins) – 6
Supplied an immediate affect and Portugal ought to maybe have given him extra time to vary issues. His very good cross almost led to Pepe scoring an equaliser.
Vitinha (for Otavio, 69mins) – 5.5
A disappointing cameo from Vitinha, who by no means obtained into the rhythm of the match.
Ricardo Horta (for Dalot, 79mins)
Subs not used: Patricio, Sa; Palhinha, Andre Silva, Carvalho, Mario, Nunes, Antonio Silva.
MANAGER
Fernando Santos – 5
Ramos over Ronaldo was the precise name (once more) however Diogo Dalot didn’t repay his religion at right-back. Took too lengthy to make modifications, and was tactically out-classed by his reverse supervisor.
Morocco (4-3-3)
Yassine Bounou – 8
Was the very best goalkeeper in LaLiga final yr, and confirmed it. Not all the time orthodox, however fairly often efficient. Some clutch saves when it counted.
Achraf Hakimi – 8
Doubtlessly the star man for the Atlas Lions. He was sensible once more, bodily, tactically, and because the emotional heartbeat of the workforce. An absolute attacking categorical practice when in full circulate however with out the defensive vulnerabilities that always entails.
Jawad El Yamiq – 8.5
The 30-year-old Actual Valladolid centre again won’t ever have performed in an even bigger match in his profession after changing West Ham’s injured Nayef Aguerd. He handled each risk manfully.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made an enormous save from Ronaldo and was glorious all through
Romain Saiss – 7
Battled on heroically regardless of clearly carrying a knock from the final match. His management might be missed if he can’t play within the semi-final.
Yahia Attiyat-Allah – 7.5
One other defender to step in, this time for Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui, and impress. He was tigerish and relentless in his defensive work and delivered the excessive curling cross which noticed En-Nesyri equalise.
Azzedine Ounahi – 7
Ounahi was all over the place. Patrolled box-to-box with menace, exhibiting metal in addition to silk within the midfield. It appeared like there have been two of him on the pitch, and he outshone his extra illustrious opponents.
Sofyan Amrabat – 7
Patrolled the defence tirelessly and it’s clear why a number of high European sides have an interest. Nearly shaded by team-mate Ounahi when it comes to efficiency.
Angers midfielder Azzedine Ounahi (left) outshone his extra illustrious opponents on Saturday
Selim Amallah – 6.5
A reliable exhibiting in midfield, doing selfless work to assist the workforce tick in assault, defence and transition. Changed simply after the hour.
Hakim Ziyech – 6.5
Confirmed a number of pretty elegant touches however didn’t impose himself on the sport as a lot as his expertise would counsel. Nonetheless, an vital a part of aspect and he’s undroppable for the semi-final.
Youssef En-Nesyri – 8
Leapt like an electrified salmon to energy residence a header that despatched his nation into raptures. No matter else occurs, he’ll ceaselessly be remembered for that purpose.
Sofiane Boufal – 7.5
The previous Southampton wideman was sturdy, skilful and decided. A relentless risk to Dalot and a relentless outlet for his aspect.
En-Nesyri leapt like a salmon to energy residence a header that despatched his nation into raptures
SUBSTITUTES
Achraf Dari (for Saiss, 57mins) – 7
Stepped in seamlessly to the match’s greatest defence.
Walid Cheddira (for En-Nesyri, 65mins) – 5
His cameo was spoiled by a (barely harsh) crimson card for 2 cautions in two minutes. Will miss the semi-final.
Badr Benoun (for Amallah, 65mins) – 6
Marshalled issues nicely on the again and helped see out the sport.
Zakaria Aboukhlal (for Ziyech, 82mins)
Yahya Jabrane (for Boufal, 82mins)
Subs not used: Mohamedi, Tagnaouti; Hamdallah, Zaroury, Sabiri, Chair, Ezzalzouli, El Khannouss.
MANAGER
Walid Regragui – 8
The 47-year-old is now the identify on each soccer fan’s lips after masterminding the seemingly unattainable. His Morocco aspect are so, so exhausting to beat. May they attain the ultimate? It isn’t past the realms of risk.
Supervisor Walid Regragui is the identify on each fan’s lips after masterminding the unattainable
