Morocco became only the fourth African nation to reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup as they stunned former champions Spain on penalties in front of a 44,667 strong crowd in Al Rayyan.
Enrique’s men thought they potentially had an easier path into the semis after finishing second behind Japan in their group, but fluffed their lines badly in the shootout here, with Pablo Sarabia hitting the post and Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets both having their penalties saved by Moroccan keeper Bono.
Spain completed more than 1,000 passes in the game, but chances were at a premium for La Furia Roja during the fixture. Morocco had two decent ones of their own, but West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd headed over from close range and replacement striker Walid Cheddira’s weak effort was saved by Unai Simon.
Sarabia also hit the post with what was virtually the last kick of the game in second half stoppage time, and was left to rue that miss as well as his poor opening penalty as Morocco won 3-0 in the shootout.
Achraf Hakimi, born in Madrid, stroked home the winning penalty for the Atlas Lions- an audacious Panenka down the middle, as they became the first African side since Ghana in 2010 to make it to the last eight of the WC.
