Undeserved Elimination of Morocco at Russia 2018

Morocco outplayed both Iran and Portugal in the first two games in Russia 2018 but found itself out of the competition. The Atlas lions lost their game with Portugal 1-0 with honor and fought to the last minute.

Apart from Ronaldo’s header at the start of the match, Morocco dominated the game missing score chances, which cost them an early elimination.

The game was marred by unfair decisions of a referee that denied the North Africans an apparent penalty. The US referee also stirred controversy amid reports that he asked for Ronaldo’s shirt after the game.

The Oscar-wining dives of Ronaldo and Pepe also added to the weak play of Portugal casting doubt on the Iberian team’s ability to compete in the World Cup.

“I’m very proud of the performance and I am very proud of my players, I’m very proud of this country. Now, in football, there are things you can’t do,” Morocco’s coach Hervé Renard said.

The Moroccans will play Spain in their next match in a ceremonial game before returning home.