FIFA World Cup: Morocco upset Portugal to become only second Muslim team in history to qualify for semis

Impressive Morocco upset Portugal 1-0 to qualify for the semi-final of FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar on Saturday. 

Unimaginable scenes were witnessed Al Thumama Stadium where Youssef En-Nesyri's first-half header took the African country to the semi-finals. 

Just three minutes before the first half ended, En-Nesyri's perfect towering header made the most of a cross from left-back Yahya Attiat. The men in red started celebrating as soon as the header deceived Portuguese goalkeeper Costa and went straight into the goal. 

Portugal counter-attacked in second half but their effort went in vain with the solid defense of Moroccan goalkeeper Bono. 

Morocco, who were playing without three of their four first-choice defenders, became the first Arab team to make the last four. After Turkey in 2002, Morocco became the only second Muslim country to qualify for the semis. 

The African side also made their continent proud by becoming the first-ever nation among them to qualify for the semi-finals of the mega event. 

Emotions-hit Portugal remained goalless despite making a few changes to their side. 

Cristiano Ronaldo, who was probably playing his last FIFA World Cup, came in as a substitute. Five-time Ballon d´Or winner made an attempt soon after he arrived early in the second quarter but missed an attempt to score equalizer by just inches. 

A 42nd-minute lead through En-Nesyri's header ensured a quality show from Morocco who was the only fourth team after Cameroon (in 1990), Senegal (in 2002) and Ghana (in 2010) to qualify for quarter-finals. 

The Atlas Lions will now face either England or France in the semi-final. Defending champions France and England will take on each other in last FIFA World Cup 2022's quarter-final tomorrow at 12am (PST).