The “Atlas Lions” Roar Against Football Superpowers’ Hegemony
Three of the four Moroccan penalty executors did their job perfectly, while their goalkeeper Yassine Bounou blocked the opponents’ two shots and saw another hit the goalpost.
Morocco players celebrate after they won on penalty shoot-out the Qatar 2022 World Cup round of 16 football match between Morocco and Spain at the Education City Stadium in Al-Rayyan, west of Doha on December 6, 2022.
DOHA, KOMPAS — Shouldering Arab and Africa’s hopes did not overwhelm Morocco in the face of former world-champion Spain in a round of 16 matches at the Education City Stadium, Doha, on Tuesday (6/12/2022). The Atlas Lions successfully held off Spain's barrage of attacks to keep the score 0-0 in normal and extra time for 120 minutes before snatching a ticket to the quarterfinals by winning 3-0 on penalty shootouts.
Three of the four Moroccan penalty executors -- Abdelhamid Sabiri, Hakim Ziyech and Achraf Hakimi -- did their job perfectly, while their goalkeeper Yassine Bounou blocked the opponents’ two shots and saw another hit the goalpost.