Morocco Shocks Spain in FIFA U-20 World Cup Opener
Spain dominated possession, holding on to the ball in Morocco’s half for long spells, but their attacks lacked the finishing touch necessary
Yassine doubled Morocco's lead this time after being put into space with a beautifully weighted pass by Othmane Maamma. Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
Morocco started their FIFA Under-20 World Cup campaign in style of breathtaking proportions by recording a historic 2-0 win over European football giants Spain in a Group C match played on Sunday evening at Santiago’s Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos, Chile.
The eagerly anticipated game started on an even keel, with both sides posing threats but not able to pierce the other’s defense in the opening half. Spain dominated possession, holding on to the ball in Morocco’s half for long spells, but their attacks lacked the finishing touch necessary to unsettle the Moroccan defense.
During halftime, however, the Young Atlas Lions came back refreshed and quickly turned the game their way. Only nine minutes into the second half was required for Yassir Zabiri to get the opener with a Gessime Yassine assist, sending Moroccan fans into a tizzy.
The Spaniards did not have much time to reorganize before Morocco replied just four minutes later. Yassine doubled Morocco’s lead this time after being put into space with a beautifully weighted pass by Othmane Maamma. He was given the Man of the Match for his game since he was decisive in creating and scoring opportunities.
Spain continued to push hard, still hoping in vain to catch up in the game, but Morocco’s defense continued to be impenetrable, repelling attack after attack. Their mettle was only tested in the stoppage time when Spain managed to get the ball into the goal, only for the attempt to be disallowed on the grounds of being offside in the 95th minute.
In the remaining Group C match, Mexico and Brazil engaged in a thrilling 2-2 draw, putting Morocco in charge after the first round.
The defending champions, Argentina, had a good time as well, dominating Cuba convincingly by 3-1, while Italy took the opportunity with a narrow 1-0 win over Australia in Group D matches on Monday morning.
African football will turn its full attention to South Africa and Nigeria too. The title defending African champions, South Africa, will be drawn against France in the tough Group E, with Nigeria up against Norway in Group F.
In the future, Morocco will continue their campaign on the 2nd of October in what may prove to be an high-pressure game against Brazil, and Spain will attempt to get back into form as they welcome Mexico on Wednesday.
With their disciplined defense, clinical finishing, and exhilarating counterattacks, Morocco have established themselves as a force to contend with in this tournament. Their victory over Spain is not only one that declares intent but also one that brings pride to African football on the global stage.
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