World Cup: Spain lose on penalties

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This World Cup has seen another dramatic moment

Morocco 0 - 0 Spain (Morocco win 3-0 on penalties)

Achraf Hakimi made himself a hero with a cheeky chipped winning penalty as his country stunned Spain in a shootout after a goalless draw to reach their first-ever World Cup quarter-finals. 

The two teams played out a dramatic draw after two hours of football and Spain failed to convert any of their three penalties.

Morocco fans had been making themselves heard all game but the atmosphere in the stands did not match the battle on the pitch. What a moment for them. Let's explore how it all happened.

  Morocco v Spain penalties 

Spain kept the ball well and Morocco sat back plugging the gaps and there was very few clear-cut chances being created.

Luis Enrique's side came closest to breaking the deadlock courtesy of Dani Olmo, who struck an arrowed drive from the angle which Bounou pushed away, and the goalkeeper also did brilliantly well to keep out Olmo's dangerous free kick late on.

Morocco played on the counter and should have scored in the opening period but Nayef Aguerd sent his unmarked header over, while their only shot on target came via Noussair Mazraoui's long-range drive which was gathered by Unai Simon.

With the sides not being able to be separated, the game went into extra time and substitute Walid Cheddira had Morocco's best chance, but he scuffed his shot straight at Simon from eight yards out.

Spain dominated the ball throughout the match, and they almost won it in the final stages. However, Pablo Sarabia's volley flicked the outside of the far post.

More social media chat

Let's explore some more of the best social media reaction from the match.

One USA fan tweeted: "Morocco is an incredible story. The coach was fired a few months before the Cup. This shows what being near home can do. I can’t wait for 2026."

A Spanish fan added: "Congratulations to Morocco for beating our giants on penalties. I hope they go and win the competition."

This Twitter user was more critical of the match and the performance. They said: "It was a lucky win for Morocco. They packed all 11 men behind the goal and waited for penalties to qualify. They'll surely be eliminated in the next round when they face a tougher opponent."

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