Morocco stuns Belgium to clinch first victory in FIFA world cup

 Morocco defeated world no two Belgium 2-0 to earn three important points  

Morocco stunned Belgium with 2-0 victory in world cup match. Belgium the second ranked football team in the world now in deep trouble as its chances to qualify for knockout stage is slim.  Abdelhamid Sabiri and Zakaria Aboukhlal's goals helped Morocco to beat Belgium in Doha.  

Belgium finished  third in Russia four years ago, could have qualified for the last 16 with victory but instead produced another insipid display after their fortunate opening win over Canada. Substitute Sabiri was the hero thanks to a 73rd-minute free-kick which Thibaut Courtois allowed to bounce in at his near post, before Aboukhlal grabbed a second in stoppage time.

The tens of thousands of Morocco supporters responded by cheering their team home at a raucous Al Thumama Stadium. Morocco replace Belgium at the top of Group F and know they will qualify for the knockout phase for the first time since 1986 if they can avoid defeat against Canada on Thursday.

Belgium, the world's second-ranked side, will have to beat 2018 runners-up Croatia to be sure of going through. Roberto Martinez's ageing side have reached at least the quarter-finals of each of the past four major tournaments.

No team was able to score goal in the first half. The deadlock was finally broken in 73rd minute when Sabiri’s free-kick from near the touchline, much like for Ziyech's ruled-out goal, caught out a flat-footed Courtois.

But Belgium had long since run out of ideas and it was Morocco who scored the second goal of the game. Brilliant play by Ziyech created space in the area for Aboukhlal to lash the Chelsea winger's pull-back into the roof of the net. Any tension in the stands was lifted and the Morocco fans were able to celebrate their first World Cup win in 24 years.

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