Morocco’s Atlas Lions progressed to their first-ever World Cup quarterfinals after beating Spain in a thrilling World Cup last 16 match that ended 0-0 after 120 minutes (Morocco won 3-0 on Penalties) on Tuesday.

The North Africans have reached the quarterfinals for the first time in their history after key keeper hero Yassine Bounou’s brilliance. They became the fourth African side to reach this stage.

Impressive coach Walid Regragui who was appointed in August, has guided Morocco to the World Cup quarterfinals after only three months in charge.

Spain’s substitute Sarabia struck the post with his first penalty before Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets were denied by Sevilla goalkeeper Bono in the photo. 

As for Morocco, Sabiri, Ziyech, and Hakimi converted as Benoun saw Morocco’s third spot kick saved by Unai Simon. 

It is a major disappointment for Luis Enrique’s men, who dominated possession and territory and had numerous chances to score but failed to break the Moroccans down. 

What a moment for Atlas Lions who have just defeated Spain 3-0 on penalties after 120 minutes to become the fourth African country to reach the quarter-final of the World Cup after Cameroon, Senegal, and Ghana. Congratulations @EnMaroc pic.twitter.com/RoPes9sgcn

— Alie Bittar (@bittar32) December 6, 2022

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Ghana Black Stars are out of this year’s World Cup after a 2-0 defeat to Uruguay at the Al Janoub Stadium on Friday.

Thanks to a brace from Giorgian De Arrascaeta in quick succession in the first half, 35-year-old Luis Suarez has a hand in both goals.

Ghana should have taken the lead, but like Gyan in 2010, Andre Ayew again failed to convert and it proved extremely costly.

Uruguay star man Luis Suarez finished the match on the bench in tears as the news came in of South Korea’s last-gasp victory over Portugal, which meant the Asian side had moved above the Uruguayans into second place in Group H on goals scored.

Veteran striker Suarez had been at the centre of the pre-match build-up because of his infamous handball in the 2010 quarter-finals, which helped eliminate Ghana.

He was booed anytime he touches the ball by the Ghana fans. He was also leading the protests when Ghana was awarded a penalty in the 19th minute.

Ghana’s woes from the penalty spot in the World Cup are a trend. It became the first nation to ever miss multiple penalties against a single opponent and has now converted just three of six World Cup penalty kicks all time. Among teams with at least five attempted penalties in the tournament, only Poland (two goals on five attempts) has the worst conversion rate.

Despite the win, Uruguay exit the World Cup with Ghana. @adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 2, 2022

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Winger Hakim Ziyech scored in less than four minutes as he took advantage of a blunder from Canada’s back line at the Al Thumama stadium on Thursday. 

Youssef En-Nesyri doubled their lead in the 23rd minute on a great ball from Achraf Hakimi over Canada’s back-line, but John Herdman’s side pulled one back before half-time thanks to a Nayef Aguerd own goal.

As a result, it’s Morocco’s first last-16 appearance at a World Cup since 1986 alongside Croatia, who managed a hard-fought goalless draw with Belgium.

The Atlas Lions of Morocco deservingly through to the last 16 of the World Cup for the second time in their history after an early pair of goals from Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri brushed aside any suspense about their progress.

Mighty Belgium and Canada were the other two nations exiting the tournament after their final Group F matches.

Morocco will now play the runners-up in Group E – either Spain, Japan, Costa Rica, or Germany – with that group being concluded on Thursday evening.

Top of the group and into the Round of 16! 🙌

What a feeling for Morocco 🇲🇦#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 1, 2022

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• Senegal have qualified for the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

The Lions or Teranga have finished as runners-up in Group A, behind Netherlands, having won games against hosts Qatar and now Ecuador in what was a tense but thrilling match.

Senegal showed signs of their attacking prowess early on, with Ismaila Sarr working himself into a shooting position only to have his shot spun around the corner of the post.

It was Sarr who would be presented with the perfect opportunity to open the scoring again when he was flattened in the box by Piero Hincapie.

From the spot, Sarr was the coolest player on the pitch, rooting goalkeeper Hernan Galindez to the spot.

Midway through the second half, Aliou Cisse watched his side turn defensively motionless as Moises Caicedo temporarily put a stopper in Senegalese celebrations. A corner, tipped on by Felix Torres, found Caicedo completely unmarked in front of the Senegal goal; the midfielder presented with the easiest task to score.

However, it was the third dead ball scenario that would prove the decisive one. Idrissa Gueye’s corner kick was bundled around by a host of Ecuadorian bodies and resulted in Kalidou Koulibaly, storming in at the far post, swiping the ball past Galindez and sparking the most deafening of celebrations in the stands.

Late pressure from Ecuador didn’t pay, as Senegal progressed to the Round of 16 for the first time since their World Cup debut in 2002.

Key moment: Koulibaly reignites Senegalese party Just moments before Koulibaly crashed in the winning goal, Senegalese fans had their heads in their hands. However, the noise and jubilation that erupted from the stands, the dugout and the pitch when the defender stole in at the back post to steer in a loose ball was the sound of a party well and truly started.

Stat of the Match Senegal have never played England, Wales or USA in any men’s football competition or friendly. The Lions of Teranga will face one of these sides – or Iran, who they have only ever played twice – in the next round.

Player of the Match Kalidou Koulibaly, Senegal

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