FIFA World Cup 2022, Match 26, Group F: Morocco create history, defeat Belgium 2-0

Belgium locked horns with Morocco on 27 November 2022 in Al Thumama Stadium. It was a Group F game of the ongoing FIFA World Cup. The Red Devils were coming off after a close win over Canada by a scoreline of 1-0. While Morocco managed a goalless draw in their tournament opener against Croatia.

Hence, Morocco were looking for a win in this tournament. On the other hand, Belgium were looking to continue their winning momentum. Therefore, the stage was set for a good match between these sides. Big-name players Kevin de Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois were in action in this clash.   

Morocco defeated Belgium by 2-0 in FIFA World Cup 2022

Speaking of the match, both teams started steadily the match. But, the first huge chance came in the 35th minute for Morocco. Achraf Hakimi had a shot at the goal but it went high and wide from the right of the box. Then, in the 45+2’ minute, Hakim Ziyech scored a beautiful goal from a free-kick. His wicked effort beat Courtois in his near post. But, the goal got overturned due to VAR.

The goal got canceled as the referee called it an offside. Thus, the first half of this World Cup encounter ended 0-0. In the second half, Morocco continued their attacks, and finally, they got rewarded in the 73rd minute. Abdelhamid Sabiri scored a free-kick and broke the deadlock in the clash. Thus, Sabiri scored Morocco’s first-ever direct free-kick goal at the World Cup. In order to have a great response, Belgium made some attacking changes. They brought in their talismanic striker, Romelu Lukaku in the 81st minute.        

Then, in the 90+2’ minute, Morocco doubled the lead as Zakaria Aboukhlal was the scorer. Hakim Ziyech produced the assist. The striker fired the ball into the roof of the net from Ziyech’s cutback. Thus, Morocco defeated the Red Devils by 2-0 in this World Cup encounter. Now, with this win, Morocco are sitting at the top of the table with four points from two games.