It was an evening of expectations. Morocco, the only team left in the competition beyond Europe and South America were pressing for History while the gritty Swiss were more than ready for the Portugese. However what actually emerged through the Qatari night was something to remember.
Morocco vs Spain : 0(3)-0
The Education City Stadium bore witness to history as it hosted Morocco and Spain in a pulsating knockout. Morocco, who had yet to concede a goal in the tournament ( barring an own goal ) have been making some good ripples in the tournament and were worthy opponents to the might Spain. The European giants had begun their campaign in style with a thumping 7 goal triumph against Costa Rica, but then had tapered away a bit with a draw and a loss. They had to get their act together.
The match began on a brisk note with both sides testing the opposition defences. The Moroccans appeared a step ahead and though the Spaniards came back strongly the first half ended in a goalless draw, with Morocco having an edge. The second half was all Spain as they attacked particularly when Morata came over to play. The tenacious Moroccans faced a relentless Spain who strived hard and stretched every muscle to get a goal, but were denied. The second half too went goalless and so was the extra time. Though there were no goals scored, there was never a dull moment in the game. It was a high octane, throbbing encounter. The Moroccans showed true grit and determination and forced the match into a penalty shoot out.
Bono to the fore for Morocco
After giving their all and unable to score, the Spaniards dropped their shoulders a bit . Their disappointment writ large on their faces. They never wanted a penalty shoot out while the Moroccans looked confident of sealing this one. Yassine Bounou ( nicknamed Bono ) Morocco’s goalkeeper was simply brilliant and brought all his experience to the fore and saved three straight penalties from Spain. Surprisingly, even Sergio Busquets, a veteran of sorts also missed, whereas the Moroccans were cool and collected and scored with ease. It was all over for Spain.
The stadium erupted in pandemonium. Morocco had created history. For the first time ever they had made it to the Quarters of a World Cup. There were tears all over . Some crying in sheer happiness and some in utter despair. The young Spanish Team inspite of playing some splendid football were made to leave the stage by an extremely committed Morocco, who eventually were deserving winners. A match to remember for the ages.
Portugal vs Switzerland : ( 6-1 )
The last of the round of 16 knockout matches was played at the Lusail Stadium between Portugal and Switzerland, with the winner to take on red hot Morocco in the Quarter Final. With both teams quite evenly matched, it was expected to be a highly engaging affair. Fernando Santos, Portugal’s Manager took a big gamble and benched the great Cristiano Ronaldo in favour of a 21 year old rookie, but highly rated Gonçalo Ramos. The move was nothing short of a master stroke from Santos.
The Swiss were rattled by the pace and striking ability of Gonçalo Ramos when the young player scored in the 17th minute, going wide on the left flank and then letting go the ball with such ferocity that Sommer, one of the finest goalkeepers in the world was late to react. Even though he had covered the angle Sommer was late on the ball. The Swiss were completely shaken and never ever recovered. The 39 year old veteran Pepe scored in the 33rd minute with the finest of headers. The Portugese were 2-0 up at the break with the Swiss staring down the barrel.
Goncalo Ramos hat-trick slays the Swiss
It became worse for the Swiss, when the Portugese drilled in 4 more goals in brisk attacks and cool and accurate finishing. Gonçalo Ramos added a brace to score a hattrick, while Guerreir added another in the 55 th minute. The icing on the cake was the 6th goal by Rafael Leao, who produced a spectacular goal laden with exquisuite placement. It was a great finish from the talented Portugese. The Swiss had one goal scored by Manuel Akanji in the 58th minute. The Swiss were completely outplayed by a stellar Portugese performance. It was a total decimation. A one sided affair. Portugal making it to the Quarter Final post 2006.
A dramatic Day 17 ended with the starry night sky of Doha. History was made. Cheer and Agony were all on display and so were the skill and temperament of the players, who gave a great account of themselves and entertained the world. Its now the Quarter Finals and let us see the line up.
Croatia vs Brazil
Argentina vs Netherlands
Morocco vs Portugal
France vs England
Some great games coming up. Visit rizkhan.in for all the analysis on the FIFA World Cup.
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