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2022 FIFA World Cup
Quarter-finals
Morocco v Portugal
Al Thumama Stadium
Doha, Qatar
Saturday, 10 December 2022
Kick-off is at 17h00
Morocco will be aiming to become the first African team to reach the semi-finals of a
World Cup when they face Portugal at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha on Saturday, December 10.
The Atlas Lions pulled off a huge upset on Tuesday as they eliminated Spain 3-0 on penalties after their last-16 tie finished goalless at the end of extra-time.
Walid Regragui's side remain unbeaten in the tournament, having conceded just one goal on their way to winning Group F and beating Belgium, who are ranked No.2 in the world.
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Regragui and his players are daring to dream after making it to the quarter-finals as the first Arab nation to achieve the feat in the history of the World Cup.
"I told [my players] we should be proud of ourselves," he said. "It is an opportunity that may not be repeated.
"Unfortunately, I did not play in the World Cup. God has now given me an opportunity to make history as a coach. I am the happiest person in the world.
"I think Africans can go far, why not dream of winning the cup? We want the next generation to dare to dream."
The Selecao will be keen to avoid suffering the same fate as their Iberian neighbours, who had 77 per cent of the possession but still failed to break down the Moroccans.
Fernando Santos' team made short work of Switzerland in the last 16 as they bounced back from a surprise 2-1 defeat to South Korea in the final round of the group stages.
Cristiano Ronaldo started on the bench as his replacement, Goncalo Ramos, bagged a hat-trick to help set up a 6-1 victory along with goals from Pepe, Raphael Guerreiro and Rafael Leao.
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Santos insists that his captain continues to play an important role for the national team despite being dropped against the Swiss, which halted a run of 31 consecutive starts for Ronaldo at major tournaments.
"I think those issues [with Ronaldo] have been solved. I repeat myself from my previous press conference, it is something which is finished and solved," he declared.
"We have to look at this player's history, one of the best players in the world in terms of his goals scored and a captain. Therefore, I think all we have to do is think about the team collectively.
"I have a very close relationship with him and always have, since he was 19 years old at Sporting. Then he started to develop in the national squad, this relationship only develops.
"We never misinterpret the human and personal aspect with that of manager and player. I will always consider my role that he is a very important player to have in the team."
Head-to-Head:
Matches - 2
Morocco - 1
Portugal - 1
Draws - 0
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