FIFA World Cup 2022: Round of 16- The tournament of upsets delivers again, Morocco knock Spain out

FIFA World Cup

With 6 teams of the quarterfinals already decided, there are only two more places for grabs. To lay claim to one of those Morocco and Spain went head to head on Tuesday at the Education City Stadium. Let's look at how the game played out.

Morocco vs Spain

Morocco have surprised all after topping Group F which had 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia as well as 2nd ranked team in the world, Belgium. They are one of few teams who have remained unbeaten in Qatar so far.

Not just that but no team has been able to score against the African team in the FIFA World Cup 2022 as well. Naturally, Morocco came into the Round of 16 clash with immense confidence.

Spain who bullied Costa Rica 6-0 in their first match were brought back onto earth by the Japan team who thumped them 2-1 in their last group match. Wary of a loss, Spain came out with a strong playing XI against Morocco and controlled the game from the word get-go.

With more than 70% possession, Spain moved around the pitch all over the pitch but could get a single goal against a highly defensive Morocco team. The African team had a game plan to hit the European team on the counter and that is what they did. With less than 25% possession, Morocco sat deep and avoided any shot into their goal.

The game as a result of it was put into the penalty shoot-out. Morocco went first and converted their first two penalties while Spain failed to convert any of their 3 penalties. In the fourth, Achraf Hakimi took to the spot and placed an audacious Panenka to send Morocco through to the quarterfinals.

Spain who were considered the favourites for the event have been dumped out of the tournament despite making more than a thousand passes in the game. Morocco would now face the winners of the Portugal vs Switzerland match.