Tuesday’s match ended in a 0-0 draw, and Morocco defeated Spain on penalties to go to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time ever.
After Spain missed all three of their extra-point attempts, Africa prevailed 3-0 in the shootout.
In order to lead the African team to a historic victory over the 2010 world champions, Yassine Bono saved the first three penalties.
Gavi fouled Sofiane Boufal in the eleventh minute, giving Morocco a strong free kick opportunity. Hakimi tried to bend it, but it flew past the bar.
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The African squad was given a free kick on the right wing in the 21st minute, but Hakim Ziyech’s cross hit the first man and was cleared.
Spain’s first significant opportunity of the game came in the 27th minute thanks to Marco Asensio’s run onto a ball into the left side of the box. Before sending a shot into the side netting, he let it bounce a few times.
The biggest chance of the first 35 minutes belonged to Morocco when Noussair Mazraoui attempted to score after stealing the ball from Ferran Torres about 30 yards from the goal, but Simon blocked his powerful effort.
Before the break, Morocco was awarded a free kick inside the penalty area. Sergio Busquets diverted Achraf Hakimi’s pass to Sofiane Boufal, who outran his defender and attempted a cross. However, Aguerd missed the attempt from about six yards out.
Despite Spain enjoying the majority of possession in the first half, Morocco was the team who created the most scoring opportunities.
After Ferran Torres outwitted Noussair Mazraoui and was fouled by the defence two minutes into the second half, Spain was awarded a free kick on the right.
Youssef En-Nesyri expertly headed the free kick away after Spain took it short and whipped it in.
Dani Olmo’s left-footed strike from a free kick by Marco Asensio presented Bono with Spain’s first scoring opportunity in the 55th minute, but he palmed it away.
Alvaro Morata, a substitute, was identified by Dani Olmo in the area in the 70th minute, but Nayef Aguerd made a powerful tackle on the seasoned player.
In the 78th minute, when Jordi Alba’s pass was deflected away, Dani Olmo sliced the loose ball outside the box.
Carlos Soler’s free kick in stoppage time found Morata at the back post, and the Atletico Madrid star headed over the crossbar.
Spain had the upper hand during the first period of extra time, but Morocco got the final chance when Walid Cheddira was fed in the area and struck straight at Unai Simon’s legs.
In the second period of extra time, the 2010 world champions attacked with all of their might, but the African team fiercely defended.
Pablo Sarabia’s attempt, which struck the post and was returned for a goal kick, was the final kick of the game.
After a 0-0 draw and three missed penalties by Spain, the North African team defeated them 3-0.
