By Victor Kanayo
Morocco on Saturday December 10 defeated favourites Portugal in the quarter-final of the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup to reach first ever semi-final stage, courtesy of Youssef En-Nesyri’s first-half goal at Al Thumama Stadium in Qatar.
That was enough to send Portugal back to Lisbon, unable to reach the last four for the first time since England 1966.
At the end of the pulsating encounter, clubless Cristiano Ronaldo broke down in tears.
The axed Manchester United star came off the bench in the second half having been left out for the second game in a row.
But for Ronaldo, it was heartbreak as he failed in what he warned would be his final crack at football’s greatest prize.
The legendary forward, 37, squandered a late chance in added time but his right-footed effort was drilled low into keeper Yassine Bounou’s hands.
Now, he returns home, without a club having left United while on international duty in Qatar, after making history in the Middle East.
For the first time in the 92-year history of the FIFA World Cup, which is into its 22nd edition, an African side have now reached the semifinals of the competition.
Only Cameroon (1990) and Senegal (2002) have gone as far as the quarterfinals of the global tournament.
Morocco won Group F beating Belgium 2-0 and Canada 2-1, but playing goalless with Croatia in Qatar 2022.
Morocco then beat Spain 3-0 in the Round of 16.
The Atlas Lions will not face England or France in a place in the final next week Sunday.
