Morocco 1-0 Portugal LIVE! World Cup 2022 result, match stream and latest updates today

Morocco vs Portugal LIVE!

Morocco are celebrating making World Cup history after another incredible upset in Qatar on Saturday night. The Atlas Lions are the first African nation ever to reach the semi-finals on football’s biggest stage after Youssef En-Nesyri’s leaping header just before half-time settled another thrilling last-eight clash at Al Thumama Stadium.

Portugal huffed and puffed but could not break down a Moroccan rearguard beset by injuries, turning to Cristiano Ronaldo early in the second half after he had once again been left on the bench by Fernando Santos. Ronaldo equalled Kuwait men’s record-holder Bader Al-Mutawa by coming on for his 196th cap, but his international future must surely now be in question after seeing what will surely be his last chance at World Cup glory slip by.

For Morocco, the celebrations are sure to coninue long into the night, before attentions quickly turn to a semi-final showdown with either England or France at Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday evening. Follow reaction to another momentous World Cup shock below, featuring expert analysis from Simon Collings at the game.

Morocco vs Portugal updates

• Saiss stretchered off for Morocco

• Ronaldo on to equal men’s cap record

• GOAL! En-Nesyri heads Atlas Lions in front

Morocco 1 - 0 Portugal

17:25 , George Flood

I can only imagine the scenes right now from Casablanca to Rabat, Marrakesh to Tangier, Fez to Sale.

The sizable Moroccan community in London also led some fabulous celebrations after the last-16 win over Spain.

You can expect similar tonight. What an achievement, bettering Cameroon at Italia 90, Senegal on debut in 2002 and the Ghana team of 2010.

A huge shift in the global football landscape.

17:05 , George Flood

These are some scenes in Al Thumama as Morocco continue to celebrate with what felt throughout the game like a home crowd, with families on the pitch basking in the occasion.

An historic achievement is made all the more impressive when you consider that manager Walid Regragui only took charge in August!

That’s some effort to produce this in a matter of months...

16:59 , George Flood

Tears from Ronaldo at the full-time whistle as Morocco celebrate wildly and the stunned Portuguese commiserate.

This is surely the last World Cup outing for one of football’s all-time greats.

He will be 41 by the time the next tournament takes place in the United States, Mexico and Canada in 2026.

Full-time

16:57 , George Flood

Morocco 1-0 Portugal

THE ATLAS LIONS HAVE DONE IT!

THEY ARE THE FIRST AFRICAN NATION EVER TO REACH THE WORLD CUP SEMI-FINALS!

WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT!

16:56 , George Flood

98 mins: More late, late drama as Pepe somehow heads wide at the back post!

That should have been the last-gasp equaliser that forced extra-time.

Just seconds left for Morocco to see out...

16:55 , George Flood

96 mins: Aboukhlal with a huge chance to put 10-man Morocco 2-0 up on the counter, but he can’t provide the finish!

What a chance.

16:54 , George Flood

95 mins: A cross is arrowed in towards Dias, but he can’t get his head on it!

Red card - Cheddira (Morocco)

16:52 , George Flood

93 mins: Morocco down to 10!

Substitute Cheddira sees a second yellow for a foul on Felix.

16:50 , George Flood

91 mins: Morocco break again but the flag is up as Cheddira fails to leave it for Attiyat-Allah.

Portugal counter at some speed and Ronaldo rifles a low effort that is repelled by Bono, who smothers the ball at the second attempt.

EIGHT minutes of added time signalled. Can Morocco hold on?

16:47 , George Flood

87 mins: Portugal want a penalty for handball but nothing doing.

Vitinha booked for an aerial challenge on Ounahi, who got to the ball first.

The Moroccan fans are in great voice. They are really starting to believe now...

16:44 , George Flood

85 mins: So disappointing from Fernandes, who tries to roll a low free-kick into the box but ends up passing it straight into the wall.

Morocco’s defence standing firm still, protected fiercely by Amrabat.

16:41 , George Flood

83 mins: What a save from Bono!

Morocco get themselves into all sorts of bother at the back and the ball is laid off nicely for Felix, whose curving effort is pushed over by the fingertips of the Sevilla ‘keeper.

A Beautiful Day indeed...

16:40 , George Flood

81 mins: Boufal and Ziyech are both off for Morocco as we enter the final 10 minutes.

Aboukhlal and Jabrane come on.

16:39 , George Flood

79 mins: Portugal throw on another forward in Braga’s Ricardo Horta.

Dalot is off. Morocco preparing to make two more changes of their own to defend this narrow lead.

16:37 , George Flood

77 mins: There is just no way through that sea of red and green shirts for Portugal, who get into the box but can’t make anything happen when they do.

Dalot the latest to be frustrated.

Here comes another quick Morocco counter, but it is halted by an errant, tired pass.

16:34 , George Flood

75 mins: Just like that!

A superb Morocco break out of nowhere, led by the excellent Ounahi.

Cheddira can’t sort his feet out though at the last and a fantastic chance to seal a famous, historic victory goes begging.

How costly could that prove?!

Vital defending from Dalot, who ended up kicking the ball against him and out for a goal kick.

16:33 , George Flood

73 mins: The pressure from Portugal is severe now as they force corner after corner with time slipping away.

Bono gets his hand on the latest one but the Morocco penalty area is under siege.

They need an out ball here.

16:30 , George Flood

70 mins: Leao quickly gets to the byline but is chopped down by fellow substitute Dari, who goes into the book.

A clever Portuguese free-kick routine almosts catches Morocco sleeping inside their own box, but the lay-off to Silva isn’t accurate enough and he can’t reach it on the stretch.

16:29 , George Flood

69 mins: Vitinha and Rafael Leao are sent on by Santos, with Otavio and Goncalo Ramos off.

A very quiet showing from Ramos, who was the talk of the tournament after his hat-trick heroics in Ronaldo’s place against Switzerland.

16:28 , George Flood

68 mins: It’s pure attack vs defence now as Portugal probe desperately for an opening and Morocco get 11 men behind the ball.

Fernandes tries to pick out former club mate Ronaldo with a chipped cross but it’s overhit and too high.

Two more subs getting ready for Portugal.

16:26 , George Flood

16:24 , George Flood

64 mins: Cheddira and Benoun are coming on for Morocco.

Goalscorer En-Nesyri and Amallah make way.

Another change of shape?

16:23 , George Flood

63 mins: Big chance for Portugal!

The ball finds its way to Fernandes on the edge of the box, the Manchester United star takes a nice touch before rifling an effort agonisingly over the bar.

The anguish on his face says it all.

16:22 , George Flood

62 mins: All the pressure is coming from Portugal as you might expect, but Morocco are keeping their shape and defending valiantly, despite the loss of Saiss.

Can they hold out? Still so long to go...

16:18 , George Flood

60 mins: Lovely play from Otavio to turn and tee up the otherwise quiet Ramos, whose header does not trouble Bono.

Simon Collings at Al Thumama Stadium

16:18 , George Flood

Saiss is in tears on the Morocco bench after coming off. Plenty of strapping on his leg already. Looks like he has aggravated an injury.

16:17 , George Flood

57 mins: A hearty reception for Saiss, who is stretchered off in another huge defensive blow for Morocco, already without Nayef Aguerd and Noussair Mazraoui today.

Achraf Dari takes his place.

16:15 , George Flood

55 mins: Ronaldo’s first action is to send in a cross that is gratefully gathered by Bono.

Dalot then fires a cross straight into the hands of the Morocco goalkeeper, before at the other end Ounahi gets under his effort and completely misses the target.

Saiss is really struggling for the Atlas Lions now and will have to go off.

16:14 , George Flood

Ronaldo, by the way, is earning his 196th international cap here.

That equals the men’s record held by Kuwait legend Bader Al-Mutawa.

Simon Collings at Al Thumama Stadium

16:13 , George Flood

At the Lusail Stadium last week, fans were chanting Ronaldo’s name, demanding he comes on. None of that here, though, as Moroccan fans whistle him as he is brought on.

16:10 , George Flood

50 mins: Here come Cancelo and Ronaldo, on for Guerreiro and Neves.

Is this written in the stars for CR7 to prove the hero?

16:10 , George Flood

49 mins: Costa is forced into a snap save at the front post and Portugal scramble away!

Heart in mouth stuff for Fernando Santos. That could easily have been 2-0.

Cancelo and Ronaldo are coming on momentarily.

16:07 , George Flood

47 mins: Portugal on the front foot from the outset and some shirt pulling inside the box leads to more penalty claims.

Nothing given, however.

Morocco very keen to exploit their pace and trickery on the break once more, leading to a Ziyech free-kick in a decent position out on the right.

Up come their centre-backs...

Second half begins

16:04 , George Flood

The second half is underway!

Morocco are just 45 minutes away from becoming the first African nation ever to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup.

How long before Portugal sound the Ronaldo alarm? No Cancelo just yet, by the way.

Simon Collings at Al Thumama Stadium

15:59 , George Flood

Joao Cancelo is going through a fairly vigorous warm-up at half-time. Suspect he is coming on.

Simon Collings at Al Thumama Stadium

15:58 , George Flood

En-Nesyri with a huge goal and, if they didn’t believe before, this whole stadium is now full of optimism that Morocco can make history.

They’ve been impressive so far, defensively solid and countered well. Portugal have been better since going behind and hit the bar through Fernandes.

Watch: En-Nesyri leaps to give Morocco lead

15:57 , George Flood

Diogo Costa will not want to see that goal again.

He’s got to come and get something after rushing out like that.

What an incredible leap from Sevilla’s En-Nesyri, though. Good lord.

Simon Collings at Al Thumama Stadium

15:50 , George Flood

Portugal are surrounding the referee at half-time. They wanted a penalty for a foul on Fernandes. Stadium whistles and jeers.

Half-time

15:49 , George Flood

Morocco 1-0 Portugal

A chance to catch your breath!

15:49 , George Flood

47 mins: Such a lively end to the half as Hakimi clashes with Otavio and Fernandes then screams for a penalty after falling under the challenge of the PSG full-back.

Morocco then break at speed but Attiat-Allah miscues a left-footed strike into the side netting.

15:47 , George Flood

45 mins: Two minutes of added time signalled at the end of this first half.

WOODWORK!

A Van Basten-esque dipping strike from Fernandes hits the crossbar.

Wow. What an equaliser that would have been!

GOAL! Morocco 1-0 Portugal | Youssef En-Nesyri 42'

15:43 , George Flood

42 mins: The Atlas Lions are ahead before the interval!

It’s a deep cross from Attiat-Allah on the left and En-Nesyri soars into the air, high above Ruben Dias, to head past Costa, who came out and was in no man’s land.

He’s got to do so much better than that.

The stadium erupts! What a story.

Simon Collings at Al Thumama Stadium

15:41 , George Flood

Spain boss Luis Enrique singled out Morocco midfielder Azzedine Ounahi for praise after his side lost in the last-16, and you can see why.

He’s a lovely player - quick, sticks his foot in and can pass too. Big clubs will be watching on with interest.

15:40 , George Flood

39 mins: Another Portuguese half-chance as Felix decides to take on a first-time half-volley that he can’t steer on target.

15:40 , George Flood

38 mins: Boufal pleads his innocence as he accidentally catches Otavio in the face with a stray arm.

The Porto midfielder goes down in a heap, but no further punishment from the referee.

15:37 , George Flood

36 mins: Promising signs again for Morocco as Boufal flashes those quick feet once more before producing an effort that is comfortably dealt with by Diogo Costa.

15:36 , George Flood

34 mins: Bright play from Morocco, who piece together an eye-catching move down the left-hand side.

Attiat-Allah ends up pulling the ball back right to Amallah, who is leaning back as he blasts into row z.

He’ll be so disappointed with that.

15:34 , George Flood

32 mins: Plenty of possession again for Portugal but they are too eager to keep switching play and pick out those attacking full-backs in Dalot and Guerreiro.

It’s worked on a couple of occasions, but generally Morocco are remaining defensively rigid and alert to the dangers.

15:33 , George Flood

30 mins: Very close from Joao Felix!

The deflection almost took that effort in, with Bono relieved to see it go behind for a corner that is hastily scrambled clear.

But Portugal are quickly back on the ball, looking to make that breakthrough before the interval.

15:30 , George Flood

28 mins: Portugal’s final ball is leaving a lot to be desired at the moment.

They are lacking composure when trying to release their forward talents, it’s all a bit rushed and panicked.

Bernardo Silva guilty on that occasion as he looks for the run of Felix, but ends up firing out for a goal kick.

There were better options in much closer proximity for the Manchester City favourite.

15:28 , George Flood

26 mins: Another sight of goal for Morocco but a difficult En-Nesyri header was never likely to test Diogo Costa.

The Atlas Lions have really come into this game over the last 10 minutes or so, though.

Encouraging signs for Walid Regragui.

Simon Collings at Al Thumama Stadium

15:26 , George Flood

The stadium is slowly starting to fill up. The word from journalists outside the ground is that fans are still trying to get in, with extra security checks in place due to the fixture’s popularity.

15:25 , George Flood

22 mins: Felix looks to have some space down the Portugual left but is quickly shut down by Hakimi.

A dangerous cross from the byline from Guerreiro is then well claimed by Bono, who is clattered by Fernandes.

Morocco aren’t happy about it and he’s got a free-kick, but the Manchester United playmaker looked more than entitled to challenge for that.

Facundo Tello of Argentina is today’s referee, by the way. He recently brandished 10 red cards at the end of a fiery clash between Boca Juniors and Racing Club in his home country.

15:23 , George Flood

20 mins: Some fine feet from Boufal at one end and now Morocco begin to apply some sustained pressure on this Portuguese defence, with Ziyech and Amrabat the danger men.

Portugal are forced to defend a quick-fire succession of corners, with Fernandes eventually showing great strength to keep Boufal at bay and earn a goal kick.

15:20 , George Flood

18 mins: Chelsea winger Ziyech suddenly comes alive as he cuts in off the Morocco right for the first time but drags a disappointing low shot wide of the near post.

15:19 , George Flood

16 mins: Just some worrying defensive signs starting to creep in now for Morocco as Portugal look for that ball in behind to Goncalo Ramos.

Stepping out doesn’t quite work and they are fortunate as Ramos decides to give Saiss a knock and concedes a free-kick.

It’s a surprise that former Wolves man Saiss is fit to start today, given he suffered a hamstring injury against Spain in the last-16.

15:17 , George Flood

15 mins: Portugal’s attacking full-backs are real weapons that Morocco need to track carefully.

Guerreiro gets away free down that left-hand side, but his wild cross is well overhit and gathered by red shirts.

15:15 , George Flood

12 mins: More Portugal pressure inside the box and a dipping ball is brilliantly watched by Raphael Guerreiro, who unleashes a sweetly-struck volley that is blocked by former Borussia Dortmund team-mate Achraf Hakimi.

A decent tempo to this quarter-final in the early stages.

Simon Collings at Al Thumama Stadium

15:13 , George Flood

Decent start from Portugal, who are controlling possession. This is Morocco’s way, though, and they did the same against Spain. That day they only had 23 per cent possession.

15:12 , George Flood

11 mins: Another incisive Moroccan counter as this game settles into a familiar pattern.

Ziyech slides in Amallah, who executes a wonderful turn to put the ball through the legs of Pepe.

But Portugal ‘keeper Diogo Costa is alert to the danger and rushes out to smother the loose ball.

15:11 , George Flood

9 mins: Portugal are back in the ascendancy, defying those constant whistles with a gorgeous switch of play towards Felix.

But the attack rather loses momentum and Dalot’s header fails to trouble Bono.

Still so many empty seats around this stadium amid the ongoing commotion outside.

15:08 , George Flood

7 mins: Morocco provide a reminder of the threats they pose with a swift counter-attack that results in a corner.

Ziyech’s delivery is headed well over by a leaping En-Nesyri, who couldn’t keep it down.

That was a chance.

15:06 , George Flood

5 mins: A fast start from Portugal, who have dominated possession as they look to impose their authority early.

A terrific ball in from the right flank is headed on target by a stooping Joao Felix, but Moroccan keeper Bono gets a firm hand to push it behind for a corner, which is cleared.

15:04 , George Flood

2 mins: As Simon said, there are fearsome whistles here every time Portugal get on the ball.

The Portuguese are the designated away side in Al Thumama so have had to change to their white away strips, with Morocco in that familiar deep red.

Feels like a home game for the Atlas Lions, despite the issues with fans outside.

Simon Collings at Al Thumama Stadium

15:02 , George Flood

And there was me moaning about the loudness of the PA system...the Moroccan fans’ whistles when Portugal have the ball are even louder.

KICK-OFF

15:02 , George Flood

Here we go!

Simon Collings at Al Thumama Stadium

15:01 , George Flood

For the whole Portuguese national anthem about 90 per cent of the photographers paid no attention the starting XI, and turned to snap Ronaldo stood with the subs.

14:58 , George Flood

Spine-tingling stuff as both anthems are belted out proudly.

Kick-off is imminent!

Can Morocco make more history?

14:55 , George Flood

Here come the teams!

Still scores of empty seats at the Al Thumama Stadium.

Television broadcasters suggest that there are a lot of ticketless fans outside the ground trying to get in.

Seems to be causing issues for those with tickets getting in.

Any more updates on that as we get them.

For now though, the national anthems. Morocco up first...

14:53 , George Flood

Final preparations!

Portugal will not need reminding that they were the team Morocco beat in a stunning 3-1 victory to reach the World Cup knockouts back in Mexico in 1986.

Portugal won the last encounter, with Ronaldo scoring early in the group stages to send the Atlas Lions home in Russia four years ago.

Simon Collings at Al Thumama Stadium

14:45 , George Flood

PA announcer: “Just how loud can these Portuguese fans be?” We don’t know as the music is deafening. And yes, don’t care I sound like an old man.

Simon Collings at Al Thumama Stadium

14:44 , George Flood

Expecting this stadium to be a sea of Moroccan fans. There were plenty milling about outside the ground and also in central Doha today.

The nation’s official airline laid on seven additional flights from Morocco to Qatar in order for more fans to attend the biggest football match in the country’s history.

14:41 , George Flood

The dual absence of Aguerd and Mazraoui is a major blow for Morocco, though I remember Yahia Attiyat Allah impressing against the Belgians in that remarkable group-stage victory.

West Ham fans will be feeling very nervous about Aguerd, who suffered an ankle injury in pre-season straight after signing for the club and has only made four appearances since returning.

Another lengthy absence would be a bitter pill for David Moyes and Co to swallow.

14:27 , George Flood

A penny for his thoughts right about now...

Felix and Fernandes ‘liberated’ by Ronaldo relegation

14:21 , George Flood

Even the most ardent Ronaldo fan cannot argue with how slick Portugal looked with him not starting against Switzerland.

Standard Sport’s Simon Collings wrote yesterday about how Joao Felix and Bruno Fernandes in particular “looked liberated” after stepping out of the captain’s sizable shadow, ably supported by hat-trick hero Goncalo Ramos and Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva.

Fernando Santos has spoken of his desire to have “fluidity” in attack, and Felix and Fernandes bring just that. They both play out wide, but drift inside to find space and are given freedom to cause problems.

Fernandes is enjoying a dream World Cup and has established himself as Portugal’s main man. He has been directly involved in five goals, which is the most by a Portuguese player at a World Cup since Eusebio and Jose Torres in 1966.

If Portugal are to navigate their way past Morocco and into a semi-final with England or France, then the Manchester United midfielder is likely to be key. Felix will play a crucial role, too. He has fallen out of favour at Atletico Madrid, clashing with manager Diego Simeone over the style of the team.

Read the article in full here

Ronaldo reaction to benching

14:13 , George Flood

So no Ronaldo again for Portugal today, which is hardly a major shock given how well they fared against the Swiss without their usual talisman.

Still, it remains a brave approach from Fernando Santos, who had this to say when asked about how Ronaldo handled the high-profile benching this week.

“We did have a conversation and it would have been very bad if we did not have that conversation. Since I took the helm we needed to talk and have a close relationship with the players – that’s my approach,” he said in a lengthy press conference answer on Friday.

“He’s the captain of our squad and with what he represents for Portuguese football, for the Portuguese people and the national team, naturally I needed to talk to him. So when we had this conversation it was on match day, after lunch. The only conversation was on that day and I explained why he would not play.

“We met and I explained why he would not be one of the starters, so he would not be surprised. In my office, I told him in terms of strategy it is better if you don’t play; I would save him for the second half if need be.

“Cristiano, for obvious reasons, was not very happy about it. He has always been a starting player. “He said: ‘Do you really think it’s a good idea?’ But we had a normal conversation. I explained my viewpoints, he accepted. We had a frank and normal conversation.”

The stage is set!

13:59 , Marc Mayo

Al Thumama Stadium, just south of Doha, hosts its final game of the 2022 World Cup today.

It has already proven a good-luck charm for Morocco, as their wins over Belgium and Canada in the groups took place here.

Morocco hit by injuries in defence

13:55 , Marc Mayo

No Nayef Aguerd or Noussair Mazraoui for Morocco today - both are injured and do not even feature as substitutes.

In come Jawad El Yamiq and Yahia Attiyat Allah.

Otherwise, the Atlas Lions are unchanged.

One change for Portugal

13:52 , Marc Mayo

Ruben Neves is given the nod over William Carvalho in the midfield.

No Cristiano Ronaldo, he is on the bench with Goncalo Ramos once again up top.

Today’s Portugal team

13:45 , Marc Mayo

Portugal XI (4-2-3-1): Costa; Dalot, Pepe, Dias, Guerreiro; Neves, Otavio; Silva, Fernandes, Felix; Ramos.

How Morocco line up

13:41 , Marc Mayo

Morocco XI (4-3-3): Bono; Hakimi, El Yamiq, Saiss, Attiyat Allah; Amrabat, Amallah, Ounahi; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal.

Calm before the storm

13:36 , Marc Mayo

Portugal looked in good spirits as they went on a morning walk in Qatar.

Behind the scenes at Morocco

13:31 , Marc Mayo

A spot of pool has been helping the Morocco players relax ahead of today’s game.

Team news coming up!

13:26 , Marc Mayo

We should soon discover our starting line-ups for Morocco and Portugal.

Lots of Premier League interest today

13:20 , Marc Mayo

West Ham’s Nayef Aguerd and Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech are two star performers of this Morocco team.

Portugal have a host of English-based talent, including Diogo Dalot Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United, Wolves’ Jose Sa and Ruben Neves plus Manchester City stars Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva.

Latest odds

13:15 , Marc Mayo

Morocco to qualify: 5/2

Portugal to qualify: 2/7

Draw (90 mins): 5/2

Odds via Betfair (subject to change).

When Ronaldo sank Morocco

13:13 , Marc Mayo

A classic header from Cristiano Ronaldo was enough to earn Portugal the win at their 2018 World Cup group-stage meeting.

Head-to-head record

13:08 , Marc Mayo

The only two previous meetings between these two nations have come at World Cups, with Morocco winning 3-1 in Mexico in 1986 before Portugal won 1-0 in Russia four years ago, an early Ronaldo goal knocking their opponents out of the tournament at the group stage.

Portugal wins: 1

Morocco wins: 1

Draws: 0

Evening Standard score prediction

13:02 , Marc Mayo

It has been an incredible showing from Morocco so far and their performances will certainly live long in the memory.

Spain, Belgium and Canada have all been brushed aside by Walid Regragui’s talented outfit, with Croatia held in a campaign that will never be forgotten.

They will no doubt revel in another opportunity to thrive as big underdogs, but this is surely likely to prove a step too far.

Portugal looked outstanding against the usually-solid Swiss after an inconsistent World Cup so far, with Ronaldo’s dropping seeming to galvanise the squad, who were utterly sensational.

Portugal to win, 2-0.

12:57 , Marc Mayo

Predicted Portugal XI (4-2-3-1): Costa; Dalot, Pepe, Dias, Guerreiro; Neves, Otavio; Silva, Fernandes, Felix; Ramos.

Early Portugal team news

12:51 , Marc Mayo

It will be fascinating to see if Fernando Santos sticks to his guns on Cristiano Ronaldo, who did come off the bench for a late cameo against Switzerland as fans demanded to see him, having a goal chalked off for offside.

Though Portugal can thrive with their talisman, they battered their last-16 opponents without him, playing such brilliant fluid football. Ramos can surely not be dropped.

Otavio was back in the Portugal line-up against Switzerland, meanwhile, though the injured Danilo remained sidelined. Nuno Mendes is out and Joao Cancelo will hope for a recall from the bench.

12:46 , Marc Mayo

Predicted Morocco XI (4-3-3): Bono; Hakimi, Aguerd, Saiss, Mazraoui; Amrabat, Amallah, Ounahi; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal.

Early Morocco team news

12:41 , Marc Mayo

Hakim Ziyech, Sofyan Amrabat and Sofiane Boufal all returned for Morocco against Spain after being rested, while Achraf Hakimi coolly chipped home the winning spot-kick after ankle trouble.

Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved two penalties in the shootout after being a late withdrawal against Belgium through illness.

West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd’s status will be closely monitored after he was forced off in the last-16, while fellow defender Romain Saiss also had a knock.

How to watch

12:35 , Marc Mayo

TV channel: In the UK, the match will be televised free-to-air and live on ITV, with coverage beginning at 2pm GMT ahead of a 3pm kick-off.

Live stream: Fans can also catch the game live online via the ITVX app and ITV website.

Hello and welcome!

12:29 , Marc Mayo

We have a truly historic World Cup quarter-final tie kicking off today’s action in Qatar with Morocco vs Portugal.

Never before have the Atlas Lions made it to this stage of the competition and Walid Regragui’s side have been rather excellent to this point - knocking out Spain in the last-16.

Portugal however romped past Switzerland as Goncalo Ramos announced himself on the world stage, keeping Cristiano Ronaldo out the team in the process.

Kick-off from Al Thumama Stadium comes at 3pm GMT and you can follow all the build-up, match action and reaction right here with Standard Sport!