Morocco and their fans celebrate after scoring the first goal. (Photo: Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera)
Eko Hot Blog reports that Morocco are top of Group B in the World Cup after a shock 2-0 triumph over Belgium.
Late goals from Abdelhamid Sabiri and Zakaria Aboukhlal secured the win in Doha, Qatar, on Sunday.
Belgium, third in Russia four years ago, could have qualified for the last 16 with victory but instead produced another uninspiring 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’s Zakaria Aboukhlal celebrates after his team won the game. (Photo: Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera)
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 quarterfinals of each of the past four major tournaments.
Belgium, whose captain Eden Hazard has admitted are not as good as in 2018, lacked spark and were made to pay by inspired opposition.
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