Morocco’s resilience in their second game in Group E proved crucial after the North Africa side conquered the ‘Golden Generation’ of the Belgium side.
Abdelhamid Sabiri and Zakaria Aboukhlal’s late goals helped Morocco defeat Belgium, adding another surprise to a World Cup that has been filled with them.
With 17 minutes remaining, Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made a mistake that led to Sabiri’s inswinging free-kick beating him at his near post.
The Moroccans capped a great second-half performance by firing Aboukhlal’s cutback into the roof of the net in stoppage time, but the entire Belgium team suffered the price for a sluggish performance.
Thousands of Morocco supporters, who had already created a boisterous scene, erupted in wild jubilation in the Al Thumama Stadium stands as a result.
With Croatia and Canada playing later on Sunday, Morocco now leads Group F with four points, passing Belgium (16:00 GMT kick-off).
Early on, it didn’t appear like there would be many shocks. Belgium’s first task this time was to break down Morocco’s huddled defence after they had survived Canada’s high-tempo and helter-skelter approach—their first opponents in Group F.
They succeeded in doing so in the opening five minutes when Michy Batshuayi was sent racing through by Thorgan Hazard, but he was stopped by Munir Mohamedi, a late replacement in the Moroccan goal after Bono fell unwell during the warm-up.
Although Belgium continued to control the ball and exert consistent pressure, there weren’t many additional clear-cut opportunities despite the fact that they continued to dominate possession.
Morocco successfully kept them at bay and started to gain control of the game, encouraged by their raucous fans who were jumping all over Al Thumama Stadium in large numbers.
When Ziyech’s free-kick eluded Courtois shortly before halftime, they mistakenly believed they had grabbed the lead. However, the video assistant referee (VAR) proved Romain Saiss was offside and was deemed to be interfering with the game after rushing over the Belgium goalkeeper’s line of sight.
After the half, Roberto Martinez’s team did not do much better, managing just long-range shots from the ineffective Eden Hazard and the substitute Dries Mertens.
Sofiane Boufal cut in from the left and fired a shot that bounced wide for Morocco, who were growing as animated as their supporters in the stands.
They persisted in pressing, and they were rewarded when Sabiri’s astute free kick discovered Courtois once more nodding off during a set-piece. There was not going to be a VAR reprieve to save him this time.
Before Aboukhlal completed a quick break and ensured a surprise victory for Belgium, Jan Vertonghen came the closest to tying the score.
