Morocco vs Spain: Bounou’s Superb Saves Guide MAR to the QFs

Morocco vs Spain: Morocco defeated reigning champion Spain on penalties in the Round of 16 to go to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first occasion.

The last African team in the World Cup of 2022 played outstanding defense the entire game and had two excellent possibilities to win it in overtime, with Walid Cheddira coming close on both occasions. However, it didn’t matter since Spain missed their first three penalty attempts in the shootout. Allowing Achraf Hakimi to coolly score the game-winning goal with a daring Panenka chip. And advance his squad to Saturday’s 3rd round against Portugal or Switzerland

Morocco vs Spain: Spain’s Possession Game Couldn’t Attack at the Moroccan half

Morocco vs Spain: The game’s trend was clear from the opening kick, with Spain controlling territory but unable to get past a well-organized Moroccan backline.

Regardless of the offside flag was up, Luis Enrique’s team controlled about 70% of the ball in the opening 45 minutes but couldn’t go much further than Marco Asensio’s effort into the rear of the net. Gavi and Ferran Torres were both stopped by superb stops at the same time.

Noussair Mazraoui‘s ferocious long-range drive hurt Unai Simon’s hands, and Nayef Aguerd, unchallenged at the far post, knocked over a wonderful opportunity made possible by Sofiane Boufal’s deception. It was evident that Morocco’s game plan was to absorb the onslaught and try to attack the Spanish on the counterattack.

Morocco vs Spain: Morocco’s Spectacular Defense

Morocco vs Spain: A similar trend persisted into the second half, with Alvaro Morata firing a shot over the face of the goal immediately after his arrival. While Yassine Bounou of Morocco made a fine reaction save on long shots from Dani Olmo mostly at end of the half.

The African team’s outstanding defense at the opposite end turned out to be essential. Morocco had the two finest opportunities of the first session of extra time. With Cheddira initially stopped by Aymeric Laporte‘s effort and then the right leg of Simon. After a tight-lipped last-16 match between Spain and Morocco finished scoreless on Tuesday. Achraf Hakimi calmly dispatched a penalty to put Morocco towards the World Cup quarterfinals. For the inaugural occasion with a 3-0 penalty victory over the title holders

Morocco vs Spain: The Atlas Lions become the 4^th African Country to reach the Quarter finals

Morocco vs Spain: After Pablo Sarabia struck the post, Yassine Bounou of Morocco stopped Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets’ penalty kicks. While Spanish-born Hakimi maintained his composure to secure his team a quarterfinal matchup versus potentially Portugal or Switzerland.

Twelve years after Ghana accomplished so in South Africa. Morocco secured just the fourth African country to get to the championship’s last 8. Spain was eliminated from the World Cup on penalties for the 2nd time in a row, making it four times overall.

After a tough game that ended in additional time with no goals and few chances on goal. Morocco benefited from the boisterous backing of their red-clad fans in the tiebreaker as Spain lost.

Moroccans Upset the Spaniards in Penalty Shootout

Morocco vs Spain: Spain had more than 75% of the ball and with 800 passes executed. But Morocco troubled them on the break, and goalkeeper Unai Simon produced some incredible stops.

After a gritty game that ended in a 0-0 draw after extra time and had few chances on goal for either team. Morocco benefited from the boisterous backing of their red-clad fans in the shootout as Spain lost.

Spain was eliminated from the World Cup on penalties for the 2nd time in a row. Making it 4 times overall. Large stretches of the game were spent by the Spanish team simply circling the Moroccan penalty area without making any attempts at shoots. Through balls, or other maneuvers to dislodge their disciplined adversaries

Yassine Bounou does an impeccable job for his country

Morocco vs Spain: When Soufiane Boufal was fouled by Morocco, the African team had the first chance to score when Achraf Hakimi blasted over a free kick. Morocco attempted to exploit the speed of Hakim Ziyech and Soufiane Boufal.

For Spain, goalkeeper Marco Asensio struck the side netting and defender Nayef Aguerd fired over.

In the 54th minute, Dani Olmo got Spain’s initial attempt at goal, but Bounou palmed it away.

Alvaro Morata and Nico Williams introduced by Spain boss Luis Enrique to give his squad some energy. And Morocco had to delve down to survive extra time without succumbing.

They were successful in doing so, and the Moroccan spectators erupted in jubilation when Spain lost the shootout.

Six and a half hours have elapsed in this World Cup, and not a single challenger has defeated Bono. In this tournament, Morocco has only given up one goal, which they also scored. There was no getting around him, especially when it came to penalties. After seeing the first one strike the post, he made two saves. One from Valencia midfield playmaker Carlos Soler and the other from Spain skipper Sergio Busquets. Pablo Sarabia, who was currently sobbing, had snatched it.

READ ALSO: Japan vs Croatia