El Yamiq starts ahead of Aguerd, who was imperious against Spain but got injured in that match.
Ronaldo does not start for the 2nd game running. Neves takes the holding midfielder spot over Carvalho.
Morocco took the lead in a combative and evenly-matched first half when En-Nesyri towered above everyone else to glance a header in ahead of Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Portugal brought on Cancelo and Ronaldo in response early in the 2nd half, anticipating a besiege on the hardy Moroccans.
Soon after that, Morocco’s defensive rock and captain Saiss got injured, endangering their ability to hold on to their slender lead. Portugal brought on even more fresh legs in Vitinha and Rafael Leao.
With 10 minutes of regulation time to go, Morocco took off Boufal and Ziyech, a clear indication of their intention to go all in on protecting their 1-0 advantage.
Drama was not yet over in stoppage time, as Cheddira got sent off on a 2nd yellow in as many minutes. A very, very soft yellow. It’s almost like the officials are intentionally trying to create spectacle! Morocco must hold! Or they’ll suffer terribly in extra time.
The Moroccans remained robust and the final whistle arrived. The producer cut to footage of the tunnel, where Ronaldo walked off in tears. It could be his last ever World Cup.
Morocco have given us another incredible chapter of this World Cup epic.
I want to see Croatia vs Morocco in the final.
BLOGOPUS 