Morocco put on another masterclass as they produced one of the narrow World Cup scores of the weekend. En-Nesyri capitalized on Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa’s error to score a historic goal for Walid Regragui’s team and the entire African continent. Bruno Fernandes hit the crossbar, Goncalo Ramos missed the target from a good position, and Bernardo Silva missed the goal from a good position, but not even the introduction of Cristiano Ronaldo in the 51st minute, who was once again benched by his manager Fernando Santos, could spark a Portugal comeback. Late in the game, Morocco needed a miracle from goalkeeper Bono who turned away shots from Ronaldo and Joao Felix while Pepe squandered a clear chance in the final minute of stoppage time. Walid Cheddira, a substitute striker, was also dismissed for receiving two rapid yellow cards.
Joao Felix had a pair of first-half opportunities as Portugal started the game strongly after their 6-1 victory over Switzerland in the round of 16. When found in acres of space, the attacker flashed over a first-time finish from the edge of the box after heading an early header straight at Bono and seeing a deflected drive fall on top of the Moroccan goalkeeper’s net.
En-free Neysri’s header from a corner served as a warning to Fernando Santos’ team about the threat he posed in the air. Selim Amallah and Sofiane Boufal also had chances to score, but both shots missed the mark. Three minutes before halftime, Morocco’s tenacity paid off when Portugal’s goalkeeper Costa charged Attiyat Allah’s long looping pass from the left and tripped his own defender Dias, allowing En-Neysri to nod home. As the first half came to a frenetic close, Fernandes struck a dipping volley against the crossbar and then, after being passed through on goal, saw a penalty claim waved away by referee Facundo Tello.
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