Morocco Become First Nation To Crush Out of World Cup After Defeat To Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo netted his 4th goal in two matches as Portugal won 1-0 to knock Morocco out of the tournament.

Morocco made a great start and threatened inside the opening couple of minutes when Noureddine Amrabat crossed and Hakim Ziyech set up Khalid Boutaib, whose header cleared the bar.

But any hope the had was shattered when, after four minutes, Ronaldo scored his fourth goal in two games when Joao Moutinho crossed and Ronaldo, all alone, headed high into the net.

Ten minutes from the break, Karim El Ahmadi shot over after neat approach play, with Portugal having offered little threat since Ronaldo’s early breakthrough.

But out of the blue they almost had a 2-0 lead, Ronaldo the provider with a lofted pass for Goncalo Guedes, whose shot was well saved by Munir.

Morocco had one more chance to level before the break when a cross was flicked on but just eluded Benatia at the far post.

But Portugal threatened in the opening moments of the second half, a short corner providing half a chance for Jose Fonte, who was unable to get his header on target.

For most of the game however Morocco dominated but failed to make it count as they did in their first game against Iran.

Portugal held on for the win in the end, sending Morocco home after only 6 days in Russia. Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo move and will be most likely competing with Spain for top spot. The Spanish play Iran later in the evening in their second group game.