"Ronaldo, Let's Face Off" Morocco's Historic Challenge for the Semifinals

Will They Defeat Portugal After Belgium and Spain?
Strong Defense with the Fewest Goals Conceded... A Clash of 'Spear and Shield'

Morocco national football team player Jawad El Yamiq

Morocco, the first Arab nation to reach the World Cup quarterfinals, will embark on a historic challenge for the semifinals at midnight on the 11th (Korean time).

This World Cup has seen an unusually strong wave of underdogs. An underdog refers to a tendency to support and cheer for the weaker side rather than the stronger competitor.

In the group stage, Saudi Arabia achieved a comeback victory of 2-1 against Lionel Messi-led Argentina, and Japan defeated Germany and Spain consecutively. South Korea also advanced to the round of 16 with a comeback win over Portugal. Tunisia and Cameroon have also defeated 'title contenders' France and Brazil, respectively.

In this tournament, teams from all six continents except Antarctica?Europe, Asia, Oceania, North America, South America, and Africa?advanced through the group stage.

From Africa, Morocco and Senegal advanced; from Asia, Japan and South Korea; and other teams like Australia and the United States defeated traditional football powerhouses from Europe and South America to reach the round of 16.

As half of the quarterfinal matches have been played, Morocco remains the only team left.

On the 6th (local time), citizens in Casablanca, Morocco, are celebrating the victory of the Moroccan national team, which defeated Spain and advanced to the quarterfinals.

Lowest Goals Conceded Morocco vs. Highest Scoring Portugal: A Clash of 'Spear and Shield'

Morocco, the team with the fewest goals conceded in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, faces Portugal, led by world-class striker Cristiano Ronaldo, in the quarterfinals.

This year marks the first time a MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region country from Asia’s Middle East and North Africa has reached the World Cup quarterfinals, with Morocco achieving this milestone.

In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia’s best performance was reaching the round of 16 in 1994, and in Africa, Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002, and Ghana in 2010 reached the quarterfinals, but these three countries are not Arab nations from the North African region.

Morocco boasts especially solid defense, having conceded only one goal?an own goal?in the three group stage matches of this tournament.

Portugal, Morocco’s quarterfinal opponent, has scored 12 goals in this tournament, tied with England for the highest number of goals scored. The Morocco vs. Portugal quarterfinal is truly a battle of 'spear and shield.'

The winner of the Morocco vs. Portugal match will face the winner of the England vs. France match in the semifinals.

The Morocco national football team is taking a commemorative photo after defeating Spain.

"Cheer Up, Morocco!" Neighboring Arab Countries Unite in Support

Ahead of this match, not only Morocco but the entire Arab world is eagerly anticipating Morocco’s victory.

King Mohammed VI of Morocco issued a statement immediately after reaching the quarterfinals, saying, "I sincerely congratulate the players, technical staff, and administrative personnel," and added, "They gave their all and left their mark on this great sporting event." He further stated, "They represent the hopes and dreams of Moroccans in Morocco, Qatar, and around the world."

Neighboring Arab countries have also continued to cheer and congratulate Morocco, the only Arab team remaining in this World Cup tournament.

Queen Rania, wife of King Abdullah II of Jordan, posted on Twitter, "Congratulations to the Lions of the Atlas who have made us proud; Morocco has done it again."