Morocco Upset Belgium 2-0 to inginte Round of 16 qualification race

DOHA: Underdogs Morocco stunned last year’s semi-finalist Belgium 2-0 in the Group F clash of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022 at Al Thumama Stadium here on Sunday.

Last world cup’s third-ranked Belgium, endured a massive dent in their campaign as they slipped to a shocking 0-2 defeat against spirited Morocco.

Belgium had the opportunity to qualify for the Round of 16 with a victory but Morocco spoiled their hopes of storming into the next round and claimed three important points.

Substitute Abdelhamid Sabiri was Morocco’s star of the match as he ended the deadlock with an astonishing 73rd-minute strike off a free kick that breezed past Thibaut Courtois and crashed into the nets.

The second-half goal filled Morocco with momentum and they intensified their attack on the European side. The attack paid them off in the stoppage time when Zakaria Aboukhlal fired another goal to guarantee an astounding win over Belgium.

Following their stunning victory, Morocco replaced Belgium at the top of Group F standings with four points and can qualify for the knockout stage if they avoid defeat against Canada in their last group match on Thursday.

Belgium, on the other hand, have to beat the last world cup finalist Croatia on December 1 to make their way into the last 16.