IS BELGIUM DOOMED TO ANOTHER WORLD CUP OF FAILURE?
Morocco's 2-0 upset win over Belgium will not be considered the most significant result of this World Cup. Prior to this World Cup, it might have been the story of an enduring underdog. However, following the stunning results by Saudi Arabia and Japan, it is at best in line to receive the bronze medal. However, this victory did not play out as an underdog story at all. Despite playing a more incisive and purposeful game, Morocco looked well worth the three points they earned. It has been disappointing that so many halves of the World Cup have been characterized by uncertain play and uninspired performances. During the first period of the event, there were 45 minutes of such a nature.
A Michy Batshuayi was found in the Moroccan box by Thorgan Hazards through ball. As a result of Bono's heroics, he was able to make a fine close-quarters save, one that he did in the name of love. The Moroccan goalkeeper did not dominate all the headlines, however, as Thibaut Courtois made sure that the Belgian stopped the game. It was under intense pressure from Youssef En-Nesyri that he delivered a move worthy of a silky-footed midfielder to strike the striker in the side of the head. This game was well played by Morocco, particularly in the first half. Despite Thorgan Hazard's best efforts, Achraf Hakimi failed to score on his shot. Through a stunning free kick by Hakim Ziyech, the Atlas Lions thought they had taken the lead. In what appeared to be a crossing position, the ball flew across Courtois and into the net. However, VAR is notorious for stealing joy from us, and the goal was disallowed for offside in the crowded box.
A convincing start was made by Morocco in the second half. From a distance, Ziyech sent a shot too close to Courtois in an indication of his intent. In the final minute of the match, Sofiane Boufal took advantage of Thomas Meunier's errors and dropped his shoulder to take the ball past the defender. Boufal narrowly missed the goal in the best chance of the half so far. Dries Mertens' introduction provided Belgium with the much-needed impetus it needed. It was Axel Witsel who fed Thorgan Hazard. With a driven shot, he drew an excellent save from Bono. The Moroccans were bold enough to attempt a second offside goal following Ziyech's first-half offside goal. From a tighter angle than his teammates had seen, Abdelhamid Sabiri scored from wide on the left. As the ball nestled in his goal, Courtois did not do enough to prevent it from passing through. Despite considerable blushes, the VAR officials could not prevent Morocco from taking the lead.
As a last-minute substitution, Romelu Lukaku was brought on to try and motivate his team. Due to an injury, Belgium's record goalscorer was drafted into the tournament, but needs must and the Inter Milan striker on loan was called upon to assist the team. Despite his best efforts, he was unable to succeed, but that was more a function of his misfiring teammates than his own deficiencies. Morocco added to the scoreline instead. During the comparatively-short five minutes of injury time, Zakaria Aboukhlal scored a spectacular goal. Aboukhlal was offended by Ziyech's excellent close control, which created the space for the pass, and he hit the ball in self-defense. Morocco deserved an exclamation for this performance. This win places Morocco in a strong position heading into their final group game against Canada, which they are confident of defeating. Croatia presents a more challenging challenge for Belgium. Despite taking one point from their first match, Roberto Martinez's side will still feel confident that they can advance. The perennial dark horses still have time to shine.
