Regragui's tactical masterclass sends Portugal packing

DOHA : Morocco coach Walid Regragui pulled off a classic smash-and-grab to claim his third major European scalp of the World Cup with a tactical masterclass that sent the Atlas Lions into their first-ever semi-final with a gritty 1-0 win over Portugal on Saturday.

Youssef En-Nesyri's towering header near the end of the first half proved the difference as Regragui's men added victory over Portugal to their earlier wins over Belgium and Spain and set up a last-four clash with England or France.

On the evidence of this match, neither of those heavyweights will be thrilled at the prospect of facing Morocco, who turned in a performance that was equal parts streetwise and full of heart to end Cristiano Ronaldo's journey in Qatar and send him away in tears.

There was shock, disbelief, more tears and also complaints from the vanquished Portuguese but their defender Pepe perhaps summed it up best.

"We conceded a goal that we didn't expect," he said. "(And)they didn't let us play in the second half."

Morocco's progress at the World Cup has been built on fearless, no-nonsense defending and they came into the match with the best defensive record, having conceded only once - an own goal against Canada in a group stage game that they still won 2-1.

Up against a Portugal side that were the tournament's joint top-scorers with 12 goals, it was always going to take something special for Morocco to progress, and that is precisely what they delivered.

Regragui lost first choice centre back Nayef Aguerd before the match but replacement Jawad El Yamiq was immense alongside skipper Romain Saiss, snapping into tackles and making last-ditch blocks as Portugal attacked in waves only to be stymied at every turn.

Saiss put his body on the line to keep his