Morocco Beats Spain on Penalties to Advance at World Cup

Morocco Beats Spain on Penalties to Advance at World Cup
Morocco players celebrate their victory through the penalty shootout after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Morocco and Spain at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, on Dec. 6, 2022. (Julian Finney/Getty Images)
The Associated Press
12/6/2022
Updated:
12/7/2022

AL RAYYAN, Qatar—Morocco advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time, beating Spain 3–0 in a penalty shootout on Tuesday, Dec. 6.

Pablo Sarabia, Carlos Soler, and Sergio Busquets missed their penalties for Spain, with Sarabia hitting the post and Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou stopping the other two.

The teams drew 0–0 in regulation and extra time.

Morocco has been the biggest surprise of the tournament and will next face either Portugal or Switzerland.

Morocco is the only team from outside Europe or South America to make it to the last eight. It is the only Arab—and African—nation left in the tournament.

By Tales Azzoni