Portugal

Morocco Scores Late in First Half, Leads Portugal in World Cup Quarterfinal

Morocco scored with just a few minutes left in the half to take a 1-0 lead

Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images

Is Morocco really the team of destiny at the 2022 FIFA World Cup?

It continues to look that way in Qatar, as Morocco leads Portugal 1-0 at halftime of their quarterfinal match.

Morocco and Portugal played even for nearly 45 minutes before the Atlas Lions struck first in the 42nd minute.

A big cross from Yahya Attiat-Allah sent the ball into the box, where Youssef En-Nesyri rose the Portuguese defender and goalkeeper to bury a header.

The 25-year-old En-Nesyri now has two goals in Qatar after scoring in the group stage against Canada.

For Portugal, the first half didn't yield many quality opportunities after a six-goal outburst in the round of 16 against Switzerland. They had just one shot on target, which was saved by Yassine Bounou. Morocco has a 7-5 shot advantage at the break.

With Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench to start the match, it could be time to unleash the aging star in the second half.

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