Russia 2018: Portugal kick Morocco out of World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo proved the difference for Portugal as his early header condemned Morocco to a 1-0 defeat in Group B at the World Cup. After his hat-trick against Spain, Ronaldo was yet again in headline-grabbing mood and headed Portugal into a fourth-minute lead. Portugal are now in a strong position to qualify for the last […]

Cristiano Ronaldo proved the difference for Portugal as his early header condemned Morocco to a 1-0 defeat in Group B at the World Cup.

After his hat-trick against Spain, Ronaldo was yet again in headline-grabbing mood and headed Portugal into a fourth-minute lead.

Portugal are now in a strong position to qualify for the last 16 with four points from their first two games.

Morocco created ample opportunities but a mixture of poor finishing, most notably from Mehdi Benatia and a strong display from new Wolves goalkeeper Rui Patricio denied them an equaliser and means Hervé Renard’s men can’t qualify for the last 16 after two straight defeats.

Much like in their defeat to Iran, Morocco were fast out of the blocks.

However, they were punished by a lapse in defence by Ronaldo with just four minutes on the clock. A recycled corner was pumped back into the danger zone which allowed the Real Madrid man to get a run on Manuel Da Costa and thump his fourth goal of the tournament home.

Morocco responded like a team that knew their World Cup was on the line.

Benatia planted a header straight at Patricio from eight yards on 12 minutes while Nordin Amrabat had a penalty appeal turned down when Raphael Guerreiro hauled him down.

Portugal survived another penalty appeal and VAR review when Jose Fonte crashed into the back of Khalid Boutaib.

Goncalo Guedes then squandered a brilliant chance when put through by Ronaldo as Morocco goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi stood strong.

Morocco so nearly gained their reward on 57 minutes, when Patricio produced a fantastic save to deny a Benatia header.

Benatia blazed another chance over four minutes later and the same man had two more decent chances as the clock ticked down, but failed to hit the target.