JONATHAN SHALLARD in DOHA: Morocco wrote a dramatic page of World Cup history as the extended their Qatar adventure into the semi-finals with a 1-0 triumph over Portugal. Until now, in Qatar, no African or Arab had ever reached the last four of the game’s greatest showpiece.

The Atlas Lions earned the right to play World Cup holders France on Wednesday for a place in the final with a first-half header from Youssef En-Nesyri. They resisted intense pressure throughout the entire second half and survived to the final whistle despite playing the last six minutes with 10 men.

In five matches coach Walid Regragui’s high-energy team have conceded only one goal and that had been scored against them by Canada – of all people – in Group F which they had topped ahead of fellow semi-finalists Croatia with Belgium eliminated.

Morocco followed up defeating Portugal’s neighbours Spain on penalties and then wrapped up the Iberia job in the finals’ last match in front of 44,198 joyous fans at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha.

The Moroccans began with all the frenzied energy which had marked their earlier ties which placed the onus Portugal’s highly-paid stars to be precise in capitalising on what few chances they would create.

In the 20^th minute a drive from Joao Felix was on target until being deflected off defender Jawad Attiah for a corner with goalkeeper Bouno moving the other way. Minutes later Joao Felix, well placed inside the penalty box, snatched at a chance and ballooned the ball high over the bar.

Morocco were playing more positively than against Spain. Selim Amallah shot too high in the 34^th minute but the breakthrough goal arrived only eight minutes later. Yahya Attiat-Allah lofted a long left-wing cross into the goal area and keeper Diogo Costa somehow allowed Youssef El Nesyri to climb above him and head home.

Ronaldo finale

Five minutes into the second half Portugal manager brought on Cristiano Ronaldo to try to rescue an increasingly desperate situation.

Goncalo Ramos, the hat-trick hero against Switzerland in the Round of 16, popped a header narrowly wide and Bruno Fernandes drove over the bar as the Portuguese penned Morocco in their own half.

Ronaldo and Co forced a succession of corners but, even when they did chisel a gap, they found keeper Bono in brilliant form. He pulled off superb saves from Joao Felix and Ronaldo and, even when beaten, had earned the good fortune which saw Pepe head inches wide in stoppage time.

Morocco’s players, substitutes, coaching staff and fans went wild at referee Facundo Tello’s final whistle. By contrast, barely noticed, Ronaldo left the scene of his last, bitter World Cup tie in defeat and in tears.

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