Morocco are on a dream run at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, beating second-ranked Belgium in the group stage and then eliminating European powerhouses Spain and Portugal in the knockout phase to reach the semifinals.
Youssef En-Nesyri headed in the winning goal in the 42nd minute to continue Morocco's improbable run, thus helping Morocco become the first African and first Arab team to reach the World Cup semifinals.
It is one of the biggest stories in the World Cup's 92-year history, but there was an interesting snippet in the Portugal-Morocco match – the gravity-defying jump by En-Nesyri.
also read
- 'Therapist saved my life': Brazil's Richarlison opens up on battling depression post World Cup exit
- Saudi praises Qatar for fantastic FIFA World Cup, drops no hint on alcohol availability for fans
- Rubiales resigns as Spain's soccer president three weeks after kissing player at Women''s World Cup final
- FIFA starts disciplinary action against Argentina for 'misconduct' during World Cup final
- France football captain Hugo Lloris ends international career
A cross was swung in from the left and the Moroccan striker leapt between Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa and defender Ruben Dias to head into the net.
The spectacular goal reminded football lovers of a similar breathtaking goal by one of football's greatest, who was part of the match, but was watching in disbelief from the sidelines on the Portugal bench – Cristiano Ronaldo.
In a 2012-13 UEFA Champions League match against Manchester United, 1.85-metre tall Ronaldo, who was playing for Real Madrid then, rose 2.93 metres to head home.
There were reports that the 25-year-old Moroccan striker beat Ronaldo's record, but the jump was later measured at 2.78 metres, which was a shade below the Portuguese star's jump.
The 37-year-old Ronaldo did not start for the second straight game but came on as a substitute in the 51st minute and missed a chance to equalise in stoppage time.
Morocco now face France in the semifinals on Wednesday.
