CRISTIANO RONALDO could not hold back the tears as his World Cup dream was wrecked with Portugal's shock exit.
Morocco became the first African country to reach the World Cup semi-finals after adding Portugal to their list of prized scalps in Qatar.
Walid Regragui only took over as Morocco boss 81 days before the tournament started, but his unfancied side are just one game away from the World Cup Final.
The African nation have beaten Belgium, Spain and now Portugal, with Regragui comparing his side to boxing movie icon Rocky – played by Sylvester Stallone – for punching above their weight.
Regragui said: “We are the team that everyone loves in this World Cup because we’re showing the world you can succeed, even if you don’t have as much talent and money.
“It’s no miracle. Many of you will say it is, especially in Europe, but we’ve beaten Belgium, Spain and Portugal without conceding a goal.
“We have made our people and our continent proud. When you watch Rocky, you want to support Rocky Balboa – we are the Rocky of the World Cup.”
Esta historia es de la edición December 11, 2022 de Sunday Express.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición December 11, 2022 de Sunday Express.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
'ENGLAND MUST NAIL MASTER PLAN TO TOPPLE ALLBLACKS'
ELLIOT DALY has revealed the master plan to beat the All Blacks at Twickenham next weekend - and he should know what it is.
TEN HAG STILL ON TIGHTROPE
IF Erik ten Hag needs an opinion on how ruthless Sir Jim Ratcliffe is then he should give Fergie a call.
Tables turned as O'Neil inspires a last-gasp revival
IT was not the maiden win Wolves craved but this felt as good as any victory.
My hospital patients have no idea I write Hollywood blockbusters on days off
SHE IS one of America's bestselling authors with a host of celebrity fans such as Victoria Beckham and Michelle Keegan, both of whom have been spotted reading her novels.
Family plead with killer to reveal where mum hidden
THE killer of Sarah Wellgreen should reveal where he hid her body to give her family closure six years after she disappeared.
'I've found Lucan hiding in Australia'
THE SON of Lord Lucan's murder victim Sandra Rivett believes he has finally tracke( down the fugitive aristocrat in Australia - and will name him for the first time on TV Neil Berriman tells how he is convinced he has cracked one of British history's biggest murder mysteries in a new BBC three-part documentary, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the crime.
Outspoken Haigh and Lammy set for chop in reshuffle
LABOUR insiders are braced for a post-Christmas reshuffle as the Prime Minister relaunches his Government following the resignation of Sue Gray.
Jezza: m not allowed fun after heart op
FORMER Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson says he's \"not allowed to have fun any more\" after heart surgery.
Jenrick calls for school fees VAT relief for 'brave' Armed Forces
TORY leadership candidate Robert Jenrick made a late plea to force families to be spared VAT on school fees.
Kemi: Right leader could kick Keir out in one term
KEMI Badenoch is entering the Conservative leadership race's last week with a plea for Tory voters who backed Reform UK to \"come home\".
