Morocco starred in a new surprise in the World Cup. This time, the loser was the aging Belgian “Golden Generation”.
Their 2-0 victory over Belgium on Sunday left Kevin De Bruyne and the 2018 semi-finalists in danger of being eliminated in what could be the last World Cup for many of a talented team that has failed to lift any great title.
Abdelhamid Sabiri, who entered the game in the second half, opened the scoring in the 73rd minute by taking a free kick that slipped past Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, considered by many to be the best in the world in his position.
Zakaria Aboukhlal rounded off the result for the North Africans by finishing a cross from Hakim Ziyech for the top corner in stoppage time.
Belgium, second in the FIFA ranking, had won their last seven matches in the group stage of a World Cup. This was Morocco’s first victory in the tournament since 1998 and only the third in its history.
Although they had a chance of becoming the second qualifier for the round of 16 after defending champions France, the defeat means Belgium has to wait for the third game, against Croatia, to know their fate.
Morocco, spurred on by the tireless support of their fans at the Al Thumama Stadium, had earlier scored on another Ziyech free-kick that was disallowed for offside.
Belgium coach Roberto Martínez took out Romelu Lukaku, the team’s all-time goalscorer, with less than 10 minutes remaining in a desperate attempt to level the score. The striker hadn’t played since October and has just recovered from a left thigh injury.
Belgium reached the semi-finals in Russia thanks to goals from Lukaku, De Bruyne and Eden Hazard, but lost to France. The Belgians stood out again at the Euro last year, when they knocked out Portugal before losing to eventual champions Italy in the quarterfinals.
Unconvinced, the Red Devils beat Canada 1-0 in their opener in Qatar, when Lukaku’s absence became apparent. Belgium once again missed the powerful striker, who scored four goals in the World Cup in Russia and as many in Euro 2020.
Morocco gained confidence with their goalless draw against Croatia on matchday one and have increased their chances of reaching the first round for the first time since 1986, the only time they have done so.