Mococco extended their dream run at the World Cup on Saturday as they out-thought and out-fought Portugal in a 1-0 win to become the first ever African country to reach the semi-finals thanks to a towering headed goal from Youssef En-Nesyri.
In the 42nd minute En-Nesyri leapt above the Portugal defenders to meet a Yahya Attiat-Allah cross, getting just enough of his head to the ball to tip it past goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who misread its flight and crashed into his own defender.
Portugal meanwhile struggled to break through the Moroccan defence, Bruno Fernandes coming closest with a shot off the bar shortly after Morocco's goal.
Cristiano Ronaldo came off the bench six minutes after the break but was unable to help his team avoid defeat, with Morocco coming out as the winner to seal a semi-final showdown with either England or France, who play later on Saturday.
Morocco's Walid Cheddira was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession in extra time, meaning he will miss the semi-final.
Clubs worldwide spent a record $2.35 billion on international transfers in men's soccer in the January window, nearly a 58 per cent increase from last year, world soccer's governing body FIFA said in a study published on Friday.
FIFA has suspended the Congo Republic's football association (FECOFOOT) and the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), barring both from international competitions, the world soccer's governing body has said.
Cypriot rhythmic gymnastics judge Evangelia Trikomiti has been banned for four years for manipulating scores at the European Championships in May last year to ensure her compatriot qualified for the Paris Olympics.
Ons Jabeur exited the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open at the quarter-final stage for the second consecutive year after losing a thrilling encounter against reigning champion Elena Rybakina, who joins Belinda Bencic, Ashlyn Krueger and Linda Noskova in the semi-finals.
Tim Seifert’s stellar cameo at the DP World ILT20 Season 3 helped the Sharjah Warriorz to seal a stunning six-wicket win against defending champions MI Emirates in their winner-takes-it-all Eliminator clash at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Thursday evening.