Fifa World Cup: Morocco latest team to pull off upset, beat Belgium to edge closer to place in second round
- Second-half goals from Abdelhamid Sabiri and Zakaria Aboukhlal send Morocco top of Group F on four points
- Morocco will qualify for the knockout phase for the first time since 1986 if they can avoid defeat against Canada
Morocco jeopardised Belgium’s World Cup hopes as Abdelhamid Sabiri and Zakaria Aboukhlal’s late goals secured a surprise 2-0 triumph in Doha on Sunday.
Belgium, 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 Goup 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.