In regular and extra time, the teams tied 0-0. The North African squad advanced to the competition’s quarterfinals for the first time after defeating Spain 3-0 in a penalty shootout on Tuesday, December 6.
In the shootout, Morocco’s final penalty was converted by Achraf Hakimi, a PSG player born in Madrid. Morocco also received goals from Abdelhamid Sabiri and Hakim Ziyech, who returned to the national squad after a disagreement with the former coach.
Spain’s penalties were missed by Pablo Sarabia, Carlos Soler, and Sergio Busquets, with Sarabia hitting the post and Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saving the other two.
Morocco will now face Portugal in the competition’s quarterfinals. Morocco overcame Belgium and Canada but drew with Croatia prior to the Round of 16 encounter against Spain.