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Achraf Hakimi was the hero as Morocco pulled off a World Cup upset as they beat Spain on penalties 3-0 to advance to the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.
It was difficult to separate both sides throughout the match, as Spain dominated the ball but lacked the cutting edge, while Morocco created the more clear-cut chances.
However, as the clock ticked on, it looked unlikely that either side was going to break the deadlock, resulting in extra time and, eventually, penalties.
Before the game, Spain coach Luis Enrique claimed that his side had done homework and prepared for penalties. However, it seems as if they may have needed better preparation as all the Spanish players failed to find the net.
Morocco's Abdelhamid Sabiri put his side ahead while Pablo Sarabia struck the post for Spain's first penalty,
Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets missed their respective penalties, while Hakim Ziyech scored his before the hero of the hour, Hakimi, netted against his birth country to spark wild celebrations.
Let's take a look at some of Twitter's best reactions:
Morocco has made us all proud. Still unbeaten. Only conceded one goal all tournament. Through to the quarter finals. African excellence ???????? pic.twitter.com/qvxIBHPFVb
— Mod (@CFCMod_) December 6, 2022
Absolute scenes. ?? Morocco are into the World Cup Quarter-Finals! ???? #FIFAWorldCup | @adidasfootball
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 6, 2022
Amazing victory for Morocco. Incredible effort. Well played.
— Gary Lineker ???? (@GaryLineker) December 6, 2022
Son of Madrid sends Spain home. What a day for Morocco. Played brilliantly too.
— Nick Harris (@sportingintel) December 6, 2022
Morocco are qualified to the quarter finals of the World Cup. Spain are now officially out ?????????? #WorldCup2022Morocco will face the winner of Portugal vs Switzerland game. pic.twitter.com/fjAxmNXTZ5
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 6, 2022
Luis Enrique told his Spain side to practice 1,000 penalties before the World Cup.They scored zero in their shootout with Morocco ?? pic.twitter.com/v5ohTgF00n
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) December 6, 2022
Morocco celebrated their Round of 16 win against Spain by tossing their GK in the air ??He saved all three penalties from Spain! ?? pic.twitter.com/EhU3cva02g
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 6, 2022
TITANIC! MONSTROUS! COLOSSAL! MONUMENTAL! MOROCCO ARE SPECIAL! THEIR MENTALITY IS DIFFERENT! #MAR | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/cQcoPfyDWy
— Football Tweet ?? (@Football__Tweet) December 6, 2022
?? - Morocco players after reaching the World Cup Quarter-Finals. pic.twitter.com/NBLX6OXfF8
— ?????? ???????? ?? (@TheEuropeanLad) December 6, 2022
Morocco into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time! A famous win over Spain on penalties capped off by Madrid-born Achraf Hakimi, who stepped up with an ice-cold Panenka! What a story in front of truly phenomenal support. ?????? pic.twitter.com/2oXsyM2LR7
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) December 6, 2022
It's actually MAD that Morocco so far have conceded just ONE goal at the World Cup despite facing Croatia, Belgium, and now Spain, who they've eliminated. ??RESPECT TO THIS TEAM! pic.twitter.com/JjyX5TR9vl
— UtdFaithfuls (@UtdFaithfuls) December 6, 2022
