Morocco caused yet another upset this World Cup as they produced one of the narrow scores of the midweek action. Spain was finally eliminated with just one shot on target during the entire game, their lowest-ever total in a World Cup game, exposing their attack weaknesses. With a close-range header, West Ham center-back Nayef Aguerd wasted Morocco’s greatest opportunity of the first half. Following a lackluster second half, Walid Cheddira of Morocco was denied a one-on-one opportunity by Unai Simon before Spain’s Pablo Sarabia hit a post with a volley in the last seconds.
Although Luis Enrique’s team had 77 percent of the possession and made 926 accurate passes, they were unable to beat a resolute Morocco. Spain had difficulties the entire game. The offside flag was still raised after Bono pushed Gavi’s shot against the crossbar and Ferran Torres’ subsequent shot was blocked in the six-yard box. Marco Asensio scored the most important goal in the opening period when he intercepted a pass in front of the Moroccan defense and volleyed it into the side netting. In Morocco, Hakimi whistled a free-kick not far over before Simon stopped Noussair Mazraoui’s long-range attempt in the second try. Aguerd missed with a free header when Sofiane Boufal, a former winger for Southampton, crossed the ball. However, this was their greatest chance.
The superb center-back play of Aguerd and Romain Saiss, as well as Sofyan Amrabat, the hero of the Moroccan midfield, made the second half for Spain even more unpleasant. Sarabia’s volley off the goal post with the final kick was fortunate for them, but Simon’s right leg stopped Cheddira in extra time. A few seconds after Abdelhamid Sabiri gave Morocco the lead, he sidefooted his penalty off the right post and into the post. By repelling Soler, Hakim Ziyech and Bono increased their advantage, putting them one step closer to victory.
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