Doha, Qatar.- Morocco gave the surprise this Tuesday by achieving the pass to the quarterfinals of the World Cup in Qatar 2022, after eliminating Spain at the Education City stadium in the Qatari town of Al Rayyan and in the penalty shootout 3-0, after drawing without goals in regulation time and overtime.
Both regulation time and overtime ended goalless, so the move to the quarterfinals was decided by kicks from the penalty spot. Sabiri, Ziyech and Achraf scored, and Morocco will face in the quarterfinals the winner of the match that will measure, later this Tuesday, Portugal with Switzerland.
The fortune that in Russia 2018 turned its back on the same situation, a round of 16 penalty shootout, reappeared to punish a Spain who chewed the impotence of an unproductive dominance, the frustration of their lack of punch against a combative Morocco, who based on courage led the duel to the factor of fortune that, once again, turned its back on Luis Enrique.
The unproductive possession, just three shots in 120 minutes, the lack of punch, the absence of a leader who puts the team behind him. The inability to win a direct duel in 90 minutes of a tie since his last Euro Cup won in 2012. Luis Enrique did not find the formula to reign again.
In the Qatar World Cup 2022 went from shock to collapse. From dazzling against Costa Rica to sowing doubt for a few minutes of disconnection against Japan that he had to clear in a round of 16 that he has not surpassed since South Africa. An insurmountable barrier that, to leave it behind, was forced to match the intensity of the rival. Morocco, the illusion of a country, the liberation of the one who competes without pressure after having already fulfilled as a revelation of the tournament. He presented a very tough crash, sheltered in his land. Always on the edge.
In that unmistakable seal of Spain, always a protagonist from the ball, found numerous similar matches along the way. Closed rival who defends with maximum intensity, backed by his physical power to punish any inaccuracy. Installed in the opposite field, Rodri’s presence as a center-back gains importance, becoming just another midfielder. To increase the quality of possession, Luis Enrique surprised with the debut of Marcos Llorente. From not counting to making it the owner. Ahead of a touched Azpilicueta and a Carvajal at a low point.
Morocco it did not attend to the weakness shown by Spain when Germany sought it up or Japan hurt it out of necessity. He felt strong delivering the ball, without raffling it out when he had it, without suffering or concessions. Only a breaking mark from Marco Asensio to the through pass from Jordi Alba and the left-footed shot into the side of the net after 26 minutes. Ferran hardly asked for it into space to launch centers without a finisher. Not a shot on goal.
The plan worked out for the ‘Atlas lions’ who focused on the final stretch of the first act as the moment to strike. Punishing a loss in the exit phase by Ferran with Mazraoui’s left-footed shot that Unai stopped in two halves and with two lateral crosses that became a warning with Aguerd’s head. Learning to chew anxiety was an exercise to be fulfilled by Spain.
did not take long Luis Enrique in moving the team looking for a new scenario when the script was maintained in the resumption. The opportunity for Marco Asensio ended with the footstep on a lateral free kick that Dani Olmo kicked and Bono punched. It seemed incredible but it was the first shot on goal in 54 minutes of dominance. He tried to be the benchmark Marco that Spain needed, but playing as a 9 took its toll on him when the only pure player in Qatar, Morata, was used.
Nothing would alter Walid Regragui’s plan. It seemed impossible, but the option of being more defensive could be increased by delaying even more metres, with En Nesyri even defending on the wing. Courage only existed in the struggle for each ball. It was time to look for the overflow and Luis Enrique harangued Nico Williams to exercise its role of revulsion. Plan B was already on the scene.
Without the ability to transfer the superiority of the field to the scoreboard, the extra time was one more chapter of the qualifying rounds for Luis Enrique’s Spain. He didn’t beat any in 90 minutes. Airy against Croatia in extra time, Switzerland on penalties that turned their backs on Italy in the Eurocup semifinals. Again the heart in a fist in the first duel to all or nothing in the World Cup.
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Spain saved by Unai Simón with a decisive save with his feet at 104 minutes when Cheddira beat Rodri and shot low. Luis Enrique sought the freshness of youth with Balde and Ansu, a risk if penalties came. Morocco signed them and Spain was incapable of generating danger. Playing with a 9 and without centers to finish off. Without authoritatively responding to favoritism. Ending the game with his hands on his head due to Sarabia’s right-hand shot to the post after appearing at the far post to Rodri’s center.
The coin tossed and tails came out. The shot at the Sarabia post that had come in to have an expert. The soft hit of the most reliable, Carlos Soler. Captain Busquets’ mistake, the day he equaled the match record held by legends like Casillas and Ramos. In the most painful closing with the soft blow to the Panenka of hakimi. The more than possible goodbye of Luis Enrique chewing the impotence of an elimination difficult to digest.
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