Morocco reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time, as they ousted former winners Spain on penalties in a gripping Round of 16 game.
The last African side left in World Cup 2022 defended superbly throughout and had two golden chances to win it in extra time — Walid Cheddira twice going close.
Morocco’s Yassine Bounou made three crucial saves in the penalty shootout against Spain in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 round of 16 match, at the Education City Stadium.
It mattered little, though, as Spain failed with their first three spot-kicks in the shootout, leaving Achraf Hakimi to nervelessly convert the decisive kick with an audacious Panenka chip, and send his team through to a meeting with Portugal or Switzerland in the third quarterfinal on Saturday.
By Brian Mboh