DOHA (Reuters) – 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.
Reporting by Fernando Kallas; Editing by Hugh Lawson
Reuters
29th July 2026
Russia has charged Telegram founder Pavel Durov with facilitating terrorism, alleging the messaging platform was used by Ukrainian intelligence services to recruit operatives and coordin...
29th July 2026
When Malta first introduced its special tax residence programmes, they were designed to address specific segments of the international market. Over time, these programmes became an impor...
29th July 2026
Updated 1010
Malta’s R&D Spending Rises to €140 Million in 2024, NSO Data Shows: Malta’s research and development (R&D) expenditure increased to €140.2 million in 2024, up €19...
28th July 2026
Updated 0850
Parliament begins Summer Recess After Approving Two Bills Linked to EU funds: Parliament rose for its summer recess on Monday after MPs approved two Bills tied to Malta's...
25th June 2026
The European Commission has unveiled an ambitious package of tax reforms aimed at simplifying tax rules across the European Union, reducing compliance burdens for businesses and strength...
10th June 2026
The European Union's new Migration and Asylum Pact enters into force on 12 June, ushering in the most significant reform of the bloc's migration framework in years and placing renewed em...
29th July 2026
When Malta first introduced its special tax residence programmes, they were designed to address specific segments of the international market. Over time, these programmes became an impor...
29th July 2026
Pharmaceutical and wellbeing company Vivian has completed a comprehensive Employee Value Proposition (EVP) initiative involving nearly all of the company's 53 employees, revealing that p...
29th July 2026
When Malta first introduced its special tax residence programmes, they were designed to address specific segments of the international market. Over time, these programmes became an impor...
29th July 2026
As automation takes over routine processes, the sector’s competitive advantage is shifting towards professionals who can interpret complex information, exercise judgement and advise clie...
29th July 2026
Pharmaceutical and wellbeing company Vivian has completed a comprehensive Employee Value Proposition (EVP) initiative involving nearly all of the company's 53 employees, revealing that p...
29th July 2026
GO is strengthening its commitment to Malta’s creative industry with a continued multi-million-euro investment in local storytelling, as TOKIS prepares to launch its biggest season yet w...
29th July 2026
Gulf states have backed a proposal aimed at reducing disruption to global oil trade by allowing Iran to collect voluntary fees from ships using the Strait of Hormuz, according to sources...
27th July 2026
The United States and Iran have paused military strikes for a third consecutive night as both sides seek to give diplomacy another opportunity after nearly two weeks of escalating confli...
25th June 2026
At least 32 people have been killed and more than 700 injured after two powerful earthquakes — measuring 7.2 and 7.5 — struck central Venezuela seconds apart, causing widespread destruct...
25th February 2026
Thousands of Cuban security personnel have begun leaving Caracas after nearly two decades in Venezuela, as Washington ramps up efforts to dismantle the long standing alliance between the...
27th July 2026
Ukraine is aiming to develop a prototype of a new European anti-ballistic missile defence system by the first half of 2027, as Kyiv pushes allies to create a home-grown alternative to US...
22nd July 2026
Ukraine has recaptured 700 sq km (270 sq miles) of its territory this year, outgoing Commander in Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Wednesday, confirming he was leaving the top military ...