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Morocco vs Spain World Cup 2022: LIVE result and reaction as Morocco stun Spain on penalties to reach first quarter-final

Morocco dumped Spain out of the World Cup in a last-16 penalty shootout to make history as Spanish-born Achraf Hakimi scored the decisive spot-kick -with a panenka no less - after Spain squandered all three of their attempts, following a 0-0 draw over 120 minutes.

Hakimi, a product of the Real Madrid youth system, calmly slotted his penalty past Unai Simon in Spain’s goal to seal Morocco’s 3-0 win in the shootout.

During the 90 minutes plus extra time, Spain dominated possession but failed to create many clear chances against Morocco’s stubborn defence.

The African side advanced to a World Cup quarter-final for the first time in their history and they will face either Portugal or Switzerland, who meet later on Tuesday, in the last eight.

Relive all the action with our live blog below:

Morocco vs Spain

  • Morocco beat Spain on penalties in the last 16 of World Cup 2022 afer goalless draw in 120 minutes

  • Achraf Hakimi scores winning spot-kick with a panenka as Morocco reach World Cup quarter-finals for the first time

  • RESULT! Morocco 0-0 Spain (Morocco win 3-0 on penalties)

  • FULL TIME of EXTRA TIME! Morocco 0-0 Spain - game goes to penalties

  • 120+3’ (ET) - POST! Sarabia clips the post with his last-gasp volley (MAR 0-0 ESP)

  • 104’ (ET) - SAVE! Simon brilliantly denies Cheddira from close range (MAR 0-0 ESP)

  • 95’ (ET) - CHANCE! Cheddira fluffs a glorious one on one chance (MAR 0-0 ESP)

  • EXTRA TIME! Morocco 0-0 Spain - game goes to extra time

  • 90+5’ - SAVE! Olmo’s free-kick desperately pushed away (MAR 0-0 ESP)

  • 88’ - CLOSE! Cheddira can’t get proper contact as his shot goes wide (MAR 0-0 ESP)

  • 82’ - CLOSE! Morata flashes shot across the face of goal (MAR 0-0 ESP)

  • 42’ - CHANCE! Aguerd puts free header over the bar (MAR 0-0 ESP)

  • 26’ - CHANCE! Asensio springs offside trap but hits the side netting (MAR 0-0 ESP)

Morocco defeat 3-0 Spain in a penalty shootout

17:59 , Michael Jones

What a penalty shootout for Yassine Bounou. He stopped two penalties and forced another onto the post. His efforts helped Morocco into the lead before Achraf Hakimi finished it off with a Panenka spot kick.

 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

Morocco vs Spain player ratings: Sofiane Boufal dazzles as Sofyan Amrabat disrupts

17:56 , Michael Jones

Spain were eliminated from the Qatar World Cup by Morocco on penalties on Tuesday, with the underdogs reaching the quarter-finals after the last-16 tie finished 0-0 after extra time.

A clash with Portugal or Switzerland is up next, with those sides squaring off in the final last-16 fixture of the tournament.

Here’s how the players fared:

Morocco vs Spain player ratings: Sofiane Boufal dazzles as Sofyan Amrabat disrupts

Morocco defeat 3-0 Spain in a penalty shootout

17:53 , Michael Jones

This is the first shock result of the knockout rounds. Morocco have eliminated Spain.

They made it incredibly difficult for the Spaniards to break them down during the 120 minutes and then held their nerve in the penalty shootout.

Morocco, the only African team left in the competition, make it into the final eight.

Morocco defeat 3-0 Spain in a penalty shootout

17:49 , Michael Jones

The stadium erupts as Hakimi’s penalty hits the back of the net. It’s heartbreak once again for Spain. They’ve been undone by yet another penalty shootout.

The Moroccan players are going wild. It’s the first time ever that Morocco have reached the World Cup quarter-finals.

Penalties: Morocco 3-0 Spain

17:46 , Michael Jones

Can Achraf Hakimi, a man born in Madrid, knock Spain out of the World Cup?

GOAL! He does! He dinks the ball down the middle and Morocco win! They’re through the quarter-finals!

Penalties: Morocco 2-0 Spain

17:45 , Michael Jones

SAVE! The experienced Sergio Busquets can’t convert either! Bono leaps to his right and pushes the ball wide!

Morocco can win this now.

Penalties: Morocco 2-0 Spain

17:44 , Michael Jones

SAVE! Badr Benoun has only just come on and he softly knocks it to Unai Simon’s right and the goalkeeper is solidly in behind it. That’s a lifeline for Spain.

Penalties: Morocco 2-0 Spain

17:44 , Michael Jones

SAVE! Carlos Soler looks focused as he steps up to the spot. Bono smiles at him then leaps to his left. The Moroccan goalkeeper gets his hands to the ball and he palms it away!

Huge save!

Penalties: Morocco 2-0 Spain

17:42 , Michael Jones

GOAL! Hakim Ziyech is the next man up for Morocco. Can he keep the pressure on Spain?

Yes he can! He belts it down the middle.

Penalties: Morocco 1-0 Spain

17:42 , Michael Jones

MISS! Pablo Sarabia missed a chance late in the game for Spain and he misses his spot kick!

He pulls his shot onto the right hand post!

Penalties: Morocco 1-0 Spain

17:41 , Michael Jones

GOAL! Abdelhamid Sabiri takes the first kick of the penalty shootout. He goes to the goalkeeper’s left and guides it into the corner. Unai Simon dives the wrong way.

Penalties: Morocco 0-0 Spain

17:39 , Michael Jones

Pablo Sarabia had a last minute chance for Spain but met a cross in from the left with a volley that struck the inside of the far post and bounced out.

Will that missed opportunity come back to haunt Spain? Morocco are up first in the shootout.

ET Morocco 0-0 Spain

17:37 , Michael Jones

Who’s going to win this penalty shootout?

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(Getty Images)
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ET Morocco 0-0 Spain

17:34 , Michael Jones

120+3 mins: There’s the whistle! Penalties it is. This have been a fabulous defensive performance from Morocco to keep Spain at bay for 120 minutes whilst creating some decent chances of their own.

The African side have never reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup and could get there tonight if they beat Spain in a penalty shootout. Spain were knocked out at this stage in a penalty shootout to Russia. Is history going to repeat itself?

ET Morocco 0-0 Spain

17:32 , Michael Jones

120 mins: Badr Benoun replaces Azzedine Ounahi for Morocco who then defend a Spanish corner competently before firing the ball long.

There’s going to be three minutes of added time to play.

ET Morocco 0-0 Spain

17:29 , Michael Jones

117 mins: Morocco are stepping it up Cheddira is sent on the counter-attack and carries the ball all the way into the box but getting tackled before getting a shot away.

Spain respond with a breakaway of their own but Alvaro Morata’s pass into the box for Ansu Fati is too heavy and it rolls out of play.

ET Morocco 0-0 Spain

17:25 , Michael Jones

114 mins: Saiss hobbles back onto the pitch with strapping covering his left hamstring. Busquets sends the ball down the line to Balde who crosses it into the middle where El Yamiq scoops it clear for the African side.

Just six minutes plus stoppage time to go.

ET Morocco 0-0 Spain

17:23 , Michael Jones

111 mins: Romain Saiss boots a clearance away from the edge of his own box and immediately goes to ground clutching his hamstring. That’s a blow for Morocco’s captain how shuffles off to the side of the pitch for some treatment.

Morocco are playing with 10-men at the minute.

ET Morocco 0-0 Spain

17:19 , Michael Jones

108 mins: Balde is sent sprinting down the left wing but Hakimi matches him for pace and marshalls the ball out of play for a Moroccan goal kick.

There’s no playing out from the back this time as Bono belts the ball long.

ET Morocco 0-0 Spain

17:17 , Michael Jones

105 mins: Morocco get the second half of extra-time underway and boot the ball as far down the pitch as they can. They’ll be hoping to take this game to penalties now.

ET Morocco 0-0 Spain

17:14 , Michael Jones

105+1 mins: The first half of extra-time comes to an end when a Spanish corner is swung into the middle. Bono comes and flaps it out as far as Llorente who sends a shot back into the box but has his effort blocked and cleared.

15 more minutes to play in this one before a penalty shootout.

ET Morocco 0-0 Spain

17:12 , Michael Jones

103 mins: Chance! Azzedine Ounahi brings the ball up the pitch and slips it into the box for Walid Cheddira. He cuts through the Spain defence, avoids a tackle from Rodri then drills a shot at goal but Unai Simon denies him with an outstretched right leg!

ET Morocco 0-0 Spain

17:11 , Michael Jones

102 mins: Ansu Fati’s introduction has added an injection of pace into Spain’s attack. He tries to get around Achraf Hakimi but is blocked off. Alvaro Morata then whips in a cross but it’s headed clear.

ET Morocco 0-0 Spain

17:06 , Michael Jones

99 mins: Nearly! Nico Williams shuffles away from a tackle on the right wing then lifts a decent cross into the box but the ball is too high for Alvaro Morata who looks for the header.

It drops over the top of him and Morocco clear their lines.

Luis Enrique makes a double change taking off Dani Olmo and Jordi Alba in favour of Alejandro Balde and Ansu Fati.

ET Morocco 0-0 Spain

17:03 , Michael Jones

96 mins: Jordi Alba’s low ball into the box from the left flies by Carlos Soler and Morocco work the ball away. It comes to Sofyan Amrabat who threads a beautiful through ball up the pitch and gets Walid Cheddira in on goal.

The forward carries the ball into the box but holds onto it too long allowing Aymeric Laporte to get back and poke the ball away from him.

Huge chance for Morocco and it goes begging.

ET Morocco 0-0 Spain

17:01 , Michael Jones

93 mins: Hakim Ziyech hooks a pass over the top of the Spanish defence and tries to get Walid Cheddira in behind. The ball bounces away from the striker though and Marcos Llorente manages to get back and take over possession.

ET Morocco 0-0 Spain

16:58 , Michael Jones

Kick off: Another 30 minutes to play then as Spain get the first half of extra-time started. Can one of these teams go on to win the game or is this match destined for penalties?

Extra-time: Morocco 0-0 Spain

16:57 , Michael Jones

Heading into extra-time at the Education City Stadium.

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(REUTERS)
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Full-time: Morocco 0-0 Spain

16:52 , Michael Jones

90+5 mins: Dani Olmo has a late chance to win it for Spain. He takes a free kick from the left side of the pitch and sends it towards goal. There’s an awkward bounce just before Bono but the goalkeeper turns it away!

Goalless. Good defending from Morocco and a lack of creativity from Spain means that no goals were scored in the 90 minutes and the match is heading to extra-time.

Can one of the teams win it before a penalty shootout?

Morocco 0-0 Spain

16:50 , Michael Jones

90+2 mins: Morata and El Yamiq clash knees and the Moroccan defender goes down like he’s been shot but he wins his side a free kick.

The set piece is floated into the box before getting headed over to Sabiri. He looks to shoot on the spin but misses the ball and the whistle goes for a foul in the build-up.

Free kick Spain.

Morocco 0-0 Spain

16:48 , Michael Jones

90 mins: Romain Saiss takes down Dani Olmo on the left side of the pitch and gives away a free kick earning himself a yellow card in the process.

Carlos Soler curls the free kick over to the back post where Alvaro Morata arrives and heads the ball well over the crossbar!

Five added minutes to play.

Morocco 0-0 Spain

16:44 , Michael Jones

88 mins: Close! Morocco almost nick it at the death as Walid Cheddira shoots on the turn but can’t make enough contact to properly direct the ball and his effort goes wide of the target.

Morocco 0-0 Spain

16:43 , Michael Jones

85 mins: Walid Regragui makes a triple change for Morocco bringing on Walid Cheddira, Abdelhamid Sabiri and Yahia Attiyat Allah.

The manager is then forced into a fourth swap just a minute later as Nayef Aguerd goes down with an injury and can’t play on. Jawad El Yamiq take his place.

Morocco have used all five substitutes now as they hunt for a winning goal.

Morocco 0-0 Spain

16:39 , Michael Jones

83 mins: Chance! Williams darts inside from the right and prods a ball into the penalty area. Alvaro Morata flies in behind the defence, gets to the ball, then flashes a shot across the face of goal.

That was a close one.

Morocco 0-0 Spain

16:37 , Michael Jones

81 mins: Good defending! Nico Williams’ first major involvement sees him drive down the right wing and curl a cross into the six-yard box. Dani Olmo is waiting in space but Romain Saiss gets to the ball ahead of him and lifts it out of play.

Inside the last 10 minutes now. Will we see a goal?

Morocco 0-0 Spain

16:34 , Michael Jones

78 mins: Aymeric Laporte collects the first yellow card of the game for a lunge on Hakim Ziyech. That’s left the Chelsea man in a spot of pain but Morocco are awarded a free kick inside their own half.

It’s booted long but Ziyech can’t keep it in play over on the right wing.

Morocco 0-0 Spain

16:32 , Michael Jones

75 mins: Spain are trying to walk the ball into the back of the net now. They’ve tried crossing the ball into the middle but Morocco’s central defence is too good.

They need to start taking risks and shooting from range. Nico Williams is on to replace Ferran Torres.

Morocco 0-0 Spain

16:31 , Michael Jones

72 mins: There have been just five shot attempts in this match after 70 minutes. The fewest shots in a match at this World Cup is nine during Argentina’s 2-0 win against Mexico.

This game looks set to beat that.

Morocco 0-0 Spain

16:26 , Michael Jones

69 mins: Spain are probing for that one clear cut chance in front of goal. Dani Olmo spins towards goal after taking the ball in the middle of the pitch.

He slides it into the penalty area for Alvaro Morata who shifts it to the left being losing possession after a perfectly timed sliding tackle from Nayef Aguerd.

Morocco 0-0 Spain

16:25 , Michael Jones

66 mins: Sofiane Boufal is now replaced by Abde Ezzalzouli in Morocco’s first substitution. Boufal was great in the first half but hasn’t found the same freedom to operate in since the restart.

Jordi Alba - now back on the pitch - receives the ball on the left wing and wins a corner.

Morocco 0-0 Spain

16:20 , Michael Jones

63 mins: Spain’s free kick is whipped into the box and well defended by the African nation who then breakaway down the right side. Hakim Ziyech drives the ball forward before flicking it down the wing and winning a throw in.

Marco Asensio and Gavi are taken off with Alvaro Morata and Carlos Soler brought on for Spain. Jordi Alba has picked up a knock too but for now will play on.

Morocco 0-0 Spain

16:18 , Michael Jones

60 mins: The noise inside the stadium has been loud all game. The Moroccan fans are giving it their all and cheer every little victory for their side. There’s whistles and drums making it an intense atmosphere.

Gavi is bungled over by Nayef Aguerd and both sets of players kick off with each other again. Morocco think Spain are buying fouls, Spain think Morocco are too forceful.

Morocco 0-0 Spain

16:16 , Michael Jones

57 mins: Morocco have pushed Spain deeper into their own half by pressing and shifting their shape further up the pitch. There’s a growing frustration in the Spanish team as Hakim Ziyech takes out Pedri and the referee refuses to pull out a yellow card.

The Europeans think the Moroccans are getting away with some heavy tackles.

Morocco 0-0 Spain

16:11 , Michael Jones

54 mins: Spain win a free kick over on the left wing right next to the penalty area.

Shot! Marco Aseniso leaps over the deadball and backheels the ball into a good area for Dani Olmo to run into a first time shot. He blazes one at goal but Bono keeps it out by punching the ball away.

Morocco 0-0 Spain

16:08 , Michael Jones

51 mins: Marcos Llorente gets forward for Spain and receives the ball on the edge of the box after a pass from Pedri. He flicks it out to Torres on the right side but the Spanish forward is forced to the byline and the ball bounces off him and out for a goal kick.

Spain have been more advanced since the restart.

Morocco 0-0 Spain

16:04 , Michael Jones

48 mins: Nice work from Spain who dance their way down the right wing and give the ball to Ferran Torres. He knocks the ball past Noussair Mazraoui before cutting inside and winning his team a free kick.

The set piece comes into the middle of the box but Youssef En-Nesyri nods it away and out for a Spain throw in.

Second half: Morocco 0-0 Spain

16:02 , Michael Jones

Morocco get the match back underway. There hasn’t been any changes from either team but it won’t be too long before Luis Enrique looks to the bench if things stay as they are.

HT Morocco 0-0 Spain

15:55 , Michael Jones

Aged 18 years and 123 days Gavi is the youngest player to start a knockout match at the World Cup since Pelé in the 1958 final who was 17 years and 249 days old.

HT Morocco 0-0 Spain

15:51 , Michael Jones

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(Getty Images)
 (PA)
(PA)
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(REUTERS)

Half-time: Morocco 0-0 Spain

15:46 , Michael Jones

45+1 mins: Nothing to separate the teams over the first half. If Spain didn’t know that they’re in a tough contest beforehand then they do now.

Morocco have executed their gamplan brilliantly and are giving this a good go. Spain have dominated the ball but Morocco have arguably created the better chances.

More to come in the second half.

Morocco 0-0 Spain

15:43 , Michael Jones

42 mins: Chance! That’s the best chance of the game! Morocco swing the ball into the box from the right and it bounces through to Boufal on the opposite wing.

He sits down one defender then flicks the ball into the six-yard box where Nayef Aguerd is wide open. He wins the ball in the air but fizzes his header high and wide!

Morocco 0-0 Spain

15:41 , Michael Jones

39 mins: Spain are being allowed time and space on the ball in the middle third of the pitch but whenever they look to push into the box they’re swarmed by Morocco’s defenders.

The African side have only conceded once in the tournament so far and are really well drilled.

Morocco 0-0 Spain

15:36 , Michael Jones

36 mins: A decent cross comes over to Ferran Torres who does brilliantly to hold onto the ball under pressure from three defenders. He then sends the ball back to Rodri and Spain build up the pressure on the edge of the box.

Azzedine Ounchi wins possession and is then clipped by Gavi bringing Morocco a free kick and a release from constant defending.

Morocco 0-0 Spain

15:33 , Michael Jones

33 mins: Chance! Noussair Mazraoui tackles Ferran Torres in midfield and storms up the pitch with the ball. He unleashes a decent left-footed shot and forces a diving save out of Unai Simon.

The Spanish goalkeeper spills the ball but manages to recover it before Youssef En-Nesyri can pounce.

Morocco 0-0 Spain

15:31 , Michael Jones

30 mins: This is only the second time in six World Cup games that Spain haven’t scored a goal in the opening 20 minutes and other than Marco Asensio’s effort they haven’t really threatened Morocco.

It’s been a fairly even contest so far.

Morocco 0-0 Spain

15:28 , Michael Jones

26 mins: Chance! Spain are stepping it up now. Marco Asensio springs the offside trap and nips in behind the defence as the ball comes over the top.

He brings it under control then drills a shot into the near side netting!

Morocco 0-0 Spain

15:26 , Michael Jones

25 mins: Boufal is getting properly stuck in for Morocco. He brings the ball inside but gets tackled by a heavy hit from Sergio Busquets. The Spaniard wins the ball first though and isn’t punished for the challenge.

Off the bar! Morocco recover the ball and dally with it when playing out from the back. Dani Olmo nicks the ball high up the pitch and swings a cross into Ferran Torres who lays the ball to Gavi.

Gavi shoots but Bono leaps to his right and tips the ball onto the crossbar! The offside flag then goes up ang Gavi breathes a sigh of relief for missing the chance.

Morocco 0-0 Spain

15:23 , Michael Jones

22 mins: Lovely dummy from Boufal to confuse Marcos Llorente and storm down the left wing. He lifts a cross into the box which floats over everyone and skips away for a throw in.

Great skill but the final ball let him down. Morocco are right in this game. They’ve started this match brilliantly.

Morocco 0-0 Spain

15:19 , Michael Jones

19 mins: Spain put together a nice attack of their own by moving the ball through midfield and sending it over to Ferran Torres on the right wing.

He swings a cross into the middle where four of his teammates are waiting but the Moroccan defence is up to the task and they head the ball clear.

Morocco 0-0 Spain

15:16 , Michael Jones

16 mins: Morcocco’s main threats have come from quick play and pacey runs down the wings. Boufal brings the ball forward before slipping it up to Mazraoui who makes an underlapping run.

The left-back takes the ball to the byline and hangs a cross over to the back post. Youssef En-Nesyri is hovering but Unai Simon plucks the ball off his nose to cut out the attack.

Morocco 0-0 Spain

15:13 , Michael Jones

13 mins: That’s a needless risk frmo Bono! The Moroccan goalkeeper is given the ball and gets pressed by Ferran Torres. Bono shifts the ball inside of the forward and passes it to Romain Saiss who flicks it out to Noussair Mazraoui to beat the Spanish press.

That could easily have gone wrong but it was well worked in the end by Morocco.

Morocco 0-0 Spain

15:11 , Michael Jones

11 mins: Free kick to Morocco! Theytake the ball away from Sergio Busquets in the middle of the pitch before Boufal storms forward and takes over.

He brings the ball up the pitch before getting pulled down by a back tracking Gavi. This set piece is in a dangerous area for Spain. Can Morocco make use of it?

No. Achraf Hakimi takes it and curls an effort over the crossbar!

Morocco 0-0 Spain

15:08 , Michael Jones

8 mins: Nice play from Morocco. Hakim Ziyech is slipped into space on the right wing but doesn’t have men in the box to cross the ball to and loses possession.

The African side get the ball back and attack down the left this time. Sofiane Boufal weaves around a defender and carries the ball up alongside the box before getting tackled. He goes down hoping for a free kick but doesn’t get one.

Still, it’s encouraging for Morocco who are getting themselves into good areas out wide.

Morocco 0-0 Spain

15:05 , Michael Jones

5 mins: Almost! Spain take control of the ball once more and pass it slickly around the pitch. It comes to Pedri on the left side of the midfield and he dinks a pacey pass up to the edge of the penalty area to match Gavi’s run.

Gavi gets a touch to the ball but can’t bring it down and it bounces safely through to Yassine Bounou (Bono) in Morocco’s goal.

Morocco 0-0 Spain

15:03 , Michael Jones

3 mins: Noussair Mazraoui nicks the ball off Ferran Torres and passes it inside to Sofyan Amrabat.

Morocco work the ball quickly over to Achraf Hakimi but Dani Olmo is quick to press and forces Hakimi to knock the ball out of play as he attempts to send a pass down the line.

Kick off: Morocco 0-0 Spain

15:01 , Michael Jones

Spain get the ball rolling in this last-16 tie. The knock the ball around the back before sending a diagonal pass over to the left wing. Jordi Alba is given the ball but he’s clattered by Hakim Ziyech who gives away the first free kick of the match.

Morocco vs Spain

14:57 , Michael Jones

The teams head out onto the pitch and the national anthems are sung. Noise level goes up several decibels when the Moroccan anthem is belted out. The African side have a lot of supporters watching the game today.

Can they help their team pick up an historic win?

‘The biggest game in our history'

14:53 , Michael Jones

Morocco coach Walid Regragui has labelled this match ‘the biggest game in Morocco’s history’ when speaking about what it means to reach the knockout rounds of the World Cup. He said: “It is the biggest game of our history but I hope the biggest will be the next one.

“Our elders cannot replay their game against West Germany while the Spain game is ahead of us. I don’t think we should go out with any sort of complex.

“Yes, we’re the underdog, but we know what Spain are made of and the recipe is easy. We shouldn’t be worried, we should have no regrets and give the best of ourselves.

“We’ve also got things up our sleeve. We’ve had one extra rest day compared to them and we’re going to try and pull a surprise out of the bag.”

Morocco vs Spain

14:49 , Michael Jones

The Moroccan side seem to have a togetherness and a determination not to get kicked out of the tournament this afternoon. They’re coming up against a very good Spanish team so things will be tricky for them.

Yet, they’ve got plenty of support inside the stadium and a good set of players who will give it their all. Can Morocco actually beat Spain?

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(Getty Images)
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Morocco vs Spain

14:46 , Michael Jones

Will Morata score again?

14:43 , Michael Jones

Alvaro Morata has scored in each of his last three World Cup appearances for Spain, despite playing a total of just 126 minutes across those games.

The only Spain player to score in four World Cup games in a row is David Villa in 2010.

If he is to equal that record today he’ll have to do so as a substitute as Luis Enrique has decided to start the forward on the bench.

Morocco vs Spain

14:39 , Michael Jones

Morocco are the last African team left in the World Cup.

Extra flights were put on from Morocco to Qatar after they reached the last 16 and last night more than 1,000 Moroccans gathered at the ticket office hoping to watch today’s match.

According to reports there were some altercations and riot police got involved.

The Moroccan embassy says it has given 500 tickets to Moroccans living in Qatar and Fifa has made 5,000 extra tickets available for Morocco fans.

Morocco vs Spain

14:35 , Michael Jones

Morocco are unbeaten in their last four matches at the World Cup (with two wins and two draws.

The only African team to go five consecutive World Cup games without defeat are Cameroon (two wins, three draws between 1982 and 1990).

Morocco vs Spain

14:31 , Michael Jones

The fans are raring to go for this one. Kick off is 30 minutes away and the atmosphere is building nicely at the Education City stadium.

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Morocco vs Spain

14:27 , Michael Jones

Morocco are featuring in the knockout stages of the World Cup for only the second time, also reaching the round of 16 in 1986, where they lost 1-0 to Germany.

Can they make it to the quarter-finals this time around?

World Cup today: Spain aim to reach last eight and Fernando Santos unhappy with Cristiano Ronaldo

14:23 , Michael Jones

The World Cup 2022’s quarter-final line-up will be completed on Tuesday, with the remaining fixture slot to be filled by the winners from Portugal v Switzerland and Morocco v Spain.

Those contests come after Brazil powered into the last eight with a 4-1 thumping of South Korea, setting up a clash with Croatia, who defeated Japan 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Here, the PA news agency looks ahead to the final day of round-of-16 action in Qatar, and back at how Monday unfolded.

World Cup today: Fernando Santos unhappy with Cristiano Ronaldo

Hakimi on facing Spain

14:19 , Michael Jones

"Four years of experience since have meant I’ve come with a more mature mentality," said Hakimi in the build-up to today’s match.

"Spain are a top-five team and always come to the World Cup to win but our coach has also taught us to have a winning mentality. It doesn’t matter who we are up against. We are going to play our way and try to beat them.

"We finished first in the group and I think we deserve a little respect. I think that Spain know that and that they have to be a little afraid of us. Why can’t we pull off a surprise again?"

Hakimi hoping to cause an upset

14:15 , Michael Jones

Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi is hoping his team can cause an upset this afternoon and knock Spain out of the World Cup.

Hakimi, who was born in Madrid and was selected for Spain’s junior teams, said: "It is something unique playing for your country and especially now that we are making history.

"It’s incredible to see how people are living it with us, and that energy transmits a lot to us and gives us strength to continue and look to do great things."

Morocco vs Spain latest odds

14:11 , Michael Jones

Of the teams left in the competition Morocco have the least likely chance of winning the World Cup according to the latest betting odds from Betfair.

The African side are also the underdogs to win today’s game in 90 minutes and to qualify ahead of Spain for the quarter-finals.

Here are the odds:

Morocco vs Spain winner

Morocco - 5/1

Draw - 3-1

Spain - 6/10

To qualify

Morocco - 3/1

Spain - 2/9

To win the 2022 World Cup

Brazil - 15/8

France - 9/2

Argentina - 11/2

England - 7/1

Spain - 8/1

Portugal - 14/1

Netherlands - 14/1

Croatia - 30/1

Switzerland - 90/1

Morocco - 125/1

Morocco vs Spain

14:06 , Michael Jones

Spain have never lost in three previous meetings with Morocco (two wins, one draw), with their two wins both coming in qualifying play-off legs for the 1962 World Cup in November 1961.

They won 1-0 away and 3-2 at home.

Morocco warn Spain they will ‘come out swinging’ in World Cup last-16 clash

14:01 , Michael Jones

Morocco have warned Spain they will “come out swinging” in a bid to pull off another huge World Cup upset.

The north African side created one of the biggest shocks in the group phase of the tournament in Qatar with their 2-0 victory over Belgium, having already held 2018 finalists Croatia to a goalless draw.

Walid Regragui’s team finished top of their group and now face a Spain side in the last 16 still reeling from their own unexpected setback at the hands of Japan which almost cost them their place in the tournament.

Morocco are likely to enjoy the majority of the support at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan and Regragui believes the Atlas Lions are now playing for the whole of the African continent and the Arab world.

Morocco warn Spain they will ‘come out swinging’ in World Cup last-16 clash

Will 1000 penalties be enough to get Spain through a shootout?

13:56 , Michael Jones

Spain coach Luis Enrique gave his players a task of practising 1,000 penalties before they met up for the World Cup and the coach hopes that ‘homework’ will pay off against Morocco this afternoon.

Spain were eliminated on penalties by Italy in the semi-finals of last year’s Euros.

"I imagine that they have done their homework," said Enrique. "Over a year ago, in one of the Spain camps, I told them they had to get here with at least 1,000 penalties taken, if you wait until getting here to practise penalties... [it won’t be enough].

"It’s a moment of maximum tension, a time to show your nerve and that you can shoot the penalty in the way you have decided, if you have trained it a thousand times.

"It says a lot about each player. It’s trainable, manageable, how you manage the tension. It’s increasingly less luck - the goalkeepers have more influence.

"We have a very good goalkeeper, any of the three can do very well in this situation. Every time we finish training, I see a lot of players taking penalties."

Morocco seek to ‘give the dream’ to all of Africa that future World Cup success remains in sight

13:53 , Michael Jones

And then there was one. Morocco are the last African side standing but at the first Arab World Cup, they are more than that. They are carrying a continent’s hopes, but they are representing the Middle East as well as Africa. They are the underdogs against Spain, but they believe they will have the support of two vast regions.

“Before it was just the Moroccans who supported us,” said their bullish head coach Walid Regragui. “Now it is the Africans and Arabs. We will come in with a winner’s attitude. We will come in swinging. We want to hoist our Moroccan flag well up high. The great nations are still here and it is up to us to give them a run for their money.”

Certainly there is no inferiority complex from Regragui. He accepts that Spain are widely expected to win. He respects their past. But he believes the future could lie in Morocco, if not elsewhere in Africa.

Morocco seek to ‘give dream’ to all Africa of future World Cup success

Morocco vs Spain prediction

13:48 , Michael Jones

Morocco have the defensive resolution to frustrate Spain but ultimately there are more attacking reinforcements on the Europeans’ bench than on the Africans’.

Spain to progress after extra time, 2-1.

Morocco vs Spain team changes

13:44 , Michael Jones

There is just one change to the Moroccan team that defeated Canada 2-1 in their last game of the groups stages. Selim Amallah comes into the midfield to replace Abdelhamid Sabiri.

Luis Enrique meanwhile makes five changes to the Spanish side. There are three new defenders in Aymeric Laporte, Marcos Llorente and Jordi Alba whilst Ferran Torres and Marco Asensio join Dani Olmo up top.

Morocco vs Spain line-ups

13:40 , Michael Jones

Morocco XI: Bounou; Mazraoui, Aguerd, Saiss, Hakimi; Amrabat, Amallah, Ounahi; Boufal, En-Nesyri, Ziyech

Spain XI: Simon, Llorente, Rodri, Laporte, Alba, Busquets, Gavi, Pedri, Ferran, Asensio, Olmo

Where to watch Morocco vs Spain

13:38 , Michael Jones

The match starts at 3pm GMT on Tuesday 6 December and this fixture will be broadcast live on ITV 1 and STV and can be streamed via the ITV Hub and STV Player.

The Independent will be covering this game and all others at the World Cup via our live blogs.

Magnificent Morocco overcome the odds to rewrite their own World Cup history - and add to Africa’s

13:34 , Michael Jones

In a World Cup which has already seen several nations breaking their own records and setting new highs, Morocco joined in on Thursday to hit new heights in national team history.

Their final group stage game saw them triumph 2-1 over Canada to not just seal progression into the knockout stages in Qatar, but also finish top of the Group F quartet.

Nigeria, and the World Cup of France ‘98, was the last time an African nation managed to achieve that feat. A generation has passed since then, of players and of supporters and of heroes of the continent - and between that finals and these ones, Morocco had won precisely zero games at the World Cup.

Magnificent Morocco overcome odds to rewrite their own World Cup history and Africa’s

Morocco vs Spain early team news and predicted line-ups

13:30 , Michael Jones

Both teams are likely to have a fully fit squad to choose from for this match.

Morocco’s line-up is pretty much set in stone unless head coach Walid Regragui springs a tactical surprise, perhaps adding another more defensive-minded player in midfield.

Luis Enrique needs to decide who flanks Alvaro Morata in attack, as well as whether to change his central defensive pairing after defeat to Japan last time out.

Predicted line-ups

MAR - Bounou, Hakimi, Saiss, Aguerd, Mazraoui, Amrabat, Ounahi, Sabiri, Ziyech, Boufal, En-Nesyri

ESP - Simon, Carvajal, Rodri, Torres, Alba, Busquets, Gavi, Pedri, Ferran, Morata, Olmo

Morocco vs Spain

13:26 , Michael Jones

Hello and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the final day of last-16 action from the Qatar World Cup. There are two matches taking place this afternoon and evening with the only African side left in the competition hoping to reach the quarter-finals.

First up Morocco take on Spain in what will be a tough encounter for Walid Regragui’s men. A brilliant group stage saw them finish top of Group F with wins over Belgium and Canada conceding just one goal across their three matches. Yet their opponents today are a different class.

Spain have youth and pace on their side and are not afraid to take the attack to the opposition. A final group game loss to Japan will have hardened their resolve and they’ll look to capitalise on early chances to take the match away from Morocco.

Then in the evening Cristiano Ronaldo is in action once again as Portugal face Switzerland. This should be more of an even affair but Portugal should have enough quality to get past the impressive Swiss.

Stick around as we bring you all the action from today’s games.