Algoz do Brasil in the 2018 World Cup, in Russia, and considered one of the favorite teams for the title in Qatar, Belgium met this Sunday (27) its first defeat in the 2022 World Cup.
In a surprising result at the Al Thumama stadium, in Doha, Morocco won by 2-0.
Midfielder Sabiri, who plays for Sampdoria (Italy), scored in the 28th minute of the second half, five minutes after coming on as a substitute.
His goal was the 59th of the Qatar World Cup, the first from a free kick, scored in the 26th game of the competition. In the Cup four years ago, the opening game (Russia 5 x 0 Saudi Arabia) already had a goal from a free kick.
Sabiri’s kick came off the left end, in a position from which a finish is usually not expected, but a cross. Best goalkeeper in the world, Courtois, caught by surprise, mishandled the ball, which went under him.
In the move, Saiss, captain of Morocco, appeared in front of the Belgian archer, which raised doubts as to whether he would be in an offside position – if so, for having disturbed Courtois’ vision, the goal would be annulled. Only the defender was in legal condition.
In the first half, Morocco had a goal disallowed in a very similar move. With a free kick, only on the right, Ziyech hit the goal straight and was successful, but Saiss was ahead and the goal was disallowed after checking the VAR (assistant video referee).
Belgium, who had already played poorly in their debut, were apathetic throughout the match and showed no reaction power.
His playmaker, midfielder De Bruyne, was a shadow of the excellent player he is when playing for his club, the English Manchester City.
And who scored again, near the end of the game, was the African team, with striker Aboukhlal, from Toulouse (France), another who came off the bench, completing a cross by Ziyech in the penalty area.
It was only Morocco’s fourth World Cup victory in 18 matches, and its first since the 1998 World Cup. This is the country’s sixth participation in a FIFA World Cup, with the best result (last 16) coming 1986 in Mexico.
The victory put Morocco ahead of Belgium in Group F, with 4 points. The Belgians have 3. Still this Sunday, Croatia (1 point, tied with the Moroccans) and Canada (0, due to the defeat to the Belgians) would duel at the Khalifa stadium for the same group.
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