Belgium slip to shock World Cup defeat by Morocco
DOHA: Morocco seriously jeopardised Belgium’s World Cup hopes as goals from Romain Saiss and Zakaria Aboukhlal secured a surprise 2-0 triumph on Sunday.
Belgium, third in Russia four years ago, could have qualified for the last 16 with victory but instead produced another insipid display after their unconvincing opening win over Canada.
Substitute Abdelhamid Sabiri’s curling 73rd-minute free-kick beat Thibaut Courtois at the goalkeeper’s near post, although FIFA later said Saiss had made contact with the ball. Aboukhlal then grabbed a second in stoppage time.
Tens of thousands of Morocco supporters roared their team home at a raucous Al Thumama Stadium.
Croatia beat Canada 4-1 in the later Group F game and Morocco know they only need a draw against the Canadians on Thursday to reach the knockout phase for the first time since 1986.
“We can still be better,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
“I’m not happy with four points, I want more than that. I want to qualify.”
Belgium, the world’s secondranked side, will have to beat 2018 runners-up Croatia to be sure of going through.
Roberto Martinez’s ageing team have reached at least the quarter-finals of each of the past four major tournaments.
Belgium, whose captain Eden Hazard has admitted are not as good as in 2018, lacked spark and were made to pay by inspired opposition.
“We’re not playing with joy. It’s maybe the weight on our shoulders,” said Martinez.
“In the last game we have to play to win it and as if we have nothing to lose.”
Morocco were dealt a blow after the national anthems when goalkeeper Yassine Bounou realised he had aggravated an injury in the warm-up.
The experienced Munir El Kajoui took his place.
The Atlas Lions fans vastly outnumbered their Belgian counterparts and breathed a sigh of relief when the Europeans almost grabbed a fourth-minute lead. Hazard played in Michy Batshuayi whose effort from a tight angle was kept out by Munir.
Belgium dominated the early exchanges but Morocco did manage a shot at goal when Hakim Ziyech fired over from distance.