Sucker Punch: Brave Morocco knocks Spain out of World Cup on penalties

Morocco spectacularly dumped Spain out of the World Cup on penalties on Tuesday to set up a mouth-watering quarter-final against Portugal or Switzerland.

In a cagey affair, Morocco started the game on the front foot with an intent to press and cause Spain problems. But once Luis Enrique’s side got a hold of the ball, they dominated possession and Morocco decided to sit in a compact shape, making it hard for Spain to create many chances at all in the first-half.

Dani Olmo had Spain’s best opportunity midway through the second period with a ferocious free-kick but Yassine Bounou did well to palm the ball away from safety. Opportunities were few and far between as the game drew to a close – meaning extra-time would be played for the second time at the tournament.

Morocco then came the closest to an opener in the first-half of extra-time through Walid Cheddira, as the forward ran clean through on goal. It was a fine move from the Moroccans but the substitute fired his effort straight at Unai Simon – to the frustration of his nation’s fans inside the stadium.

After a barrage of attacks from Spain towards the end of the game, Morocco held out for penalties. And they were right to do so as the North African side ran out 3-0 winners from the spot with Hakim Ziyech, Abdelhamid Sabiri and Achraf Hakimi scoring the decisive kicks.

Liverpool have been heavily linked with a move for Morocco’s Sofyan Amrabat in recent weeks after a string of impressive performances from the Fiorentina star during the World Cup. The 26-year-old produced another colossal display in front of the back-four and, for large spells, helped stop Spain’s midfield from playing passes into the forward areas.

Gavi, Sergio Busquets and Pedri possess so much quality on the ball, and Morocco needed to stay compact to ensure Spain didn’t dominate in the final third. Amrabat’s pressing, intelligence and knack to make a tackle will no doubt impress potential suitors with the midfielder tipped to make the switch to the Premier League.

Tottenham are reportedly keen on signing Amrabat, while Liverpool have expressed an interest in the player with Jurgen Klopp ready to bolster his midfield options. Former Wales forward John Hartson was impressed with Ambabat after he made a last-ditch block to deny Nico Williams’ goal bound effort. He told ITV : “Amrabat has been outstanding for Morocco.”