Morocco Pulls Off Another World Cup Stunner, Eliminating Portugal

Ben ShpigelJames WagnerAsmaa ElkeurtiMorocco defended and defended and defended. It waited, unbothered by the famous names and large numbers, until it could spawn a dizzying counterattack. This has happened all throughout this World Cup, propelling the African nation into the quarterfinals, and it happened again in the first half on Saturday.

A lovely header by Youssef En-Nesyri supplied the only goal at Al Thumama Stadium, sending Morocco to a 1-0 lead over a Portugal side that lacked the verve and zest that defined its dominant round-of-16 victory against Switzerland.

The goal came in the 42nd minute, after Morocco absorbed spells of pressure but created little of its own. The Atlas Lions…