Joseph Isokpehi Reporting.
Just like in Mexico `86 when Morocco became the first African side to reach the second round of the FIFA World Cup and the first African team to also top a group stage at the World Cup beating Portugal 3-1 in the process, once again proved why they are unbeaten at this year’s World Cup as they took the highly rated Portugal to the cleaners beating the Pre-tournament favorites 1-0 inside the main bowl of the Al Thumama Stadium to reach their first ever semifinal at the World cup.
The Atlas Lions of Morocco again, became the first African country to reach the semifinal of the FIFA World Cup, and the only team at the ongoing FIFA world cup in Qatar that is yet to concede a goal in open play, they only conceded an own goal during the group game against Canada, the only goal was scored in the 42nd minutes by Youssef En- Nesyri through a header as the coach Walid Regragui troops deployed everything they have to keep the Portuguese strikers at bay and were very disciplined especially at the back, with the Africans having the crowd behind them in the stadium.
The introduction of Christiano Ronaldo and two others brought life back for the coach Fernando Santos’ side as they piled pressure on the Moroccans in most part of the second stanza, but Morocco held their own to produce another great outing in Qatar.
Truth Live News can recall that Morocco stopped European Football giants like Belgium, Spain, and now Portugal, you want to agree with me that this African pride, Morocco can go all the way to pull down the cup holders France on Wednesday, December 14th inside the Al Bayt stadium, and book their final ticket, though the task might be huge, the Atlas Lions can go all the way if they keep their cool and raise their game to reach their first ever World Cup final
The best African performance at the FIFA World Cup ever has now ended Christiano Ronaldo’s quest to win the World Cup, as they push further to become the first African country to reach a World Cup final.
This semifinal clash will be the sixth meeting between Morroco and France, with the 2018 World Cup winners, having three wins, one draw, and one win for Morocco which came on May 28th, 1998 in an international friendly,
Followers of the game say it is going to be all-African affairs and Football pundits believe this is Morroco’s year as they remain unbeaten at the world cup just like they did during the African zone of the world cup qualifiers.
How far this African best performer at the FIFA World Cup can go in Qatar, only time will tell.
If you ask for my opinion, I will simply say it is time for Africa, given the impressive run of the Atlas Lions in Qatar so far, let the boys have a drink but the party should be delayed.