The Atlas Cubs of Morocco produced a brilliant performance to knock out tournament favourites USA 3-1, in the quarterfinal of the FIFA U20 World Cup to surge into the semifinal for the first time in 20 years.
The 3rd quarter-final played at Rancagua in Chile saw the USA dominate the possession from the kick-off but were kept at bay by the highly disciplined African giants’ defence who in response resorted to quick counter-attacks.
Morocco took the lead in the 31st minute through Fouad Zahouani, who tapped in Othmane Maamma’s cross.
USA kept pressing and were handed a lifeline just before the break, when Nolan Norris was pulled down in the area by Ali Maamar, with Cole Campbell converting from the spot kick.
The 2nd half wasn’t different, as the Americans continued enjoying giant ball possession but lacked creativity in the final third.
With quick counterattacks Morocco restored their lead in the 67th minute when Zahouani’s long throw into the box caused a defensive mix-up for USA as Joshua Wynder tapped the ball into his own net.
In response and in search of an equaliser, the USA made a defence lapse, and Gessime Yassine capitalised on a defence 3 minutes from time for a 3rd goal to complete a marvellous performance from the only surviving African side in the tournament.
Morocco will take on France in the last four stages as they add to the long list of Moroccan stellar performances on the global stage.
The Atlas Lions qualified for the semi-final for the first time in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which was followed up by a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
