Spain crashes out of World Cup after Round of 16 loss to Morocco

Spain passed and passed, and kept passing.

As a result of it all, they let yet another chance at World Cup glory pass them by, paving the way for one of the tournament’s biggest surprises yet.

Entering as +525 underdogs, Morocco stunned Spain in penalties to advance to the quarterfinals. They’ll face the winner of Portugal’s matchup with Switzerland.

Morocco players celebrate after advancing to the quarterfinal.
Morocco players celebrate after advancing to the quarterfinal.

Yassine Bounou saves a penalty to help seal Morocco's win.
Yassine Bounou saves a penalty to help seal Morocco’s win.

Spain players are in agony after being eliminated.
Spain players are in agony after being eliminated.

Despite owning 77 percent possession and outshooting their opponents 13-6, Spain could not manage to score from open play. They registered just one shot on goal, as the Moroccan defense remained content to sit deep in their own half and let Spain move the ball harmlessly in front of them in midfield.

After 120 scoreless minutes, the match went to a penalty shootout, the second game this tournament to require spot-kicks to determine a winner. Croatia defeated Japan on penalties on Monday.


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And even in penalties, Spain couldn’t find the back of the net. They missed all three, while Morocco hit three of their four kicks to win. Star defender Achraf Hakimi shot straight down the middle for the pivotal and match-winning kick.

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