Morocco Becomes First African Team to Reach the World Cup Semifinals After Defeating Portugal
ANP via Getty
History was made on Saturday after Morocco defeated Portugal 1-0, marking the first African team to advance to the World Cup semifinals.
The Atlas Lions celebrated their victory in Qatar after Youssef En-Nesyri scored the match's only goal just minutes before halftime, placing the team a game away from the final where it will face France on Wednesday.
Portugal failed to break down Morocco's defense strategy despite attempts from João Félix during the beginning of the game and the summoning of Cristiano Ronaldo from the substitutes bench after half-time.
Justin Setterfield/Getty
RELATED: Team USA Eliminated from World Cup in Qatar During 3-1 Loss to Netherlands: 'Bitterly Disappointed'
Instead, a combined team effort from Yahia Attiyat-Allah and En-Nesyri, 25, helped launch the ball soaring above Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa into the net.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Wiping away tears with his jersey, record-scorer Ronaldo, 37, walked down the tunnel after the final whistle in what is likely to be his last World Cup, having recently left Manchester United.
According to the New York Times, Yassine "Bono" Bounou, the Morocco goalkeeper, reflected on the win after the game at the Al Thumama Stadium.
RELATED VIDEO: Joe Biden Calls U.S. Men's Soccer Team to Wish Them Luck Ahead of 2022 FIFA World Cup
"Pinch me, I think I'm dreaming," he said, per the outlet. "These moments are great, but we're here to change the mentality. With this feeling of inferiority, we have to get rid of it. The Moroccan player can face any in the world. The generation coming after us will know we can create miracles."
