WORLD CUP 2018: Ronaldo header lifts Portugal over Morocco

   
Portugal have defeated Morocco 1-0 at the 2018 World Cup in Moscow. With both sides failing to win their opening Group B match, there was a tense atmosphere inside Luzhniki Stadium prior to kick-off. But just like that, Portugal were ahead after four minutes. Bernardo Silva decided to take a short corner with the help of Joao Moutinho, who crossed a teasing ball to the six-yard box. Somehow, someway, the Moroccan defence decided not to prioritise marking Cristiano Ronaldo, and the Real Madrid superstar smashed home a header past the helpless Monir El Kajoui. The goal woke Morocco out of their slumber and they quickly came to dominate the first half. At half-time, the possession count was in their favour at 61 per cent. With an extra man in midfield, Herve Renard's men were able display their technical excellence with superb interplay that made the Portuguese chase their shadows. But despite all their dominance, the Moroccan's failed to create one clear cut chance in the first-half, the lack of a killer pass rendering their possession futile. The second-half was a carbon copy of the first. Morocco's best chance at an equaliser came from Yohan Belhanda, but the Galatasaray man's header was saved brilliantly by Rui Patricio. Just as we witnessed in several games throughout Euro2016, Portugal were the worse side on the day but walked away with all three points. Morocco will feel aggrieved after losing. But they will have a long time to think about it as their tournament is now over. World Cup Group B Portugal - 1 (Ronaldo 4') Morocco - 0 Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow - 78,011

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