Morocco eliminates Spain on penalties to reach quarterfinals for the first time

The Atlas Lions of Morocco have defeated the 2010 World Cup Champions, Spain on penalties to reach their first FIFA World Cup quarterfinals. They become the first North African country to qualify to quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup and the fourth African country to do so.

Morocco defeated Spain in the World Cup round of 16 on Tuesday in Doha, Qatar, and advanced to the nation’s first-ever quarterfinal with a 3-0 victory in a penalty shootout following a scoreless tie. Spain, the winner of the 2010 World Cup, controlled possession but was unable to break through against Morocco’s disciplined defense. In the shootout, Spain made three attempts against Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou but failed to score on any of them. Since Ghana in 2010, the Atlas Lions became the first African team to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals.

Born and raised in Spain, Achraf Hakimi scored the final penalty kick for Morocco to send Spain home.