• Morocco to play in the quarter-finals for the first time.
• They are carrying Africa’s hope on their broad shoulders
Spain’s World Cup journey came to an end after losing 3-0 to Morocco on penalties following a goalless draw after extra time at the Education City Stadium.
Hakimi scored the winning spot-kick to help the only African side left in the competition to advance after Pablo Sarabia, Soler and Sergio Busquets missed the first three kicks for Spain.
The game was more tense than turgid, just like their last meeting which ended 2-2.
A strong defensive system saw the Moroccans denying the Spanish side who dominated play a way to penetrate.
The game entered the extra time in its pattern of Spain in possession and Morocco defending deep but the Atlas Lions later changed their pattern from defense to attack.
They finally started to find space in Spain’s half but they were not strong upfront to break the deadlock.
However, Spain also kept on to posses but were not able to find the back of the net. It was an incredible evening but nothing worked for the Spanish side.
Now, Morocco will face either Portugal or Switzerland in the quarter-final stage.
