Morocco wins over Belgium, Japan in surprise defeat to Costa Rica, Croatia knocks out Canada, Germany draws with Spain.
Day eight of the World Cup in Qatar has delivered another shock to the footballing world with Morocco scoring a stunning victory over Belgium, beating the Belgians 2-0 at Al Thumama Stadium and putting the Atlas Lions a step closer to qualifying for the Round of 16.
Sunday’s win by Morocco was the second big upset involving an Arabic nation at the first World Cup in the Middle East. It follows Saudi Arabia’s stunning defeat of Argentina in the opening set of group games. Morocco, roared on by thunderous noise from its fans at Al Thumama Stadium, went into the game on Sunday knowing they had started in Qatar with a promising 0-0 draw with Croatia.
Germany has earned a crucial 1-1 draw in their exciting and energetic match against Spain after the Germans had teetered on the brink of elimination in the group stage for their second World Cup in a row. Their draw with Spain combined with Japan’s surprise loss to Costa Rica now moves the Germans into more positive territory for qualification.
And it was a surprise 1-0 win by Costa Rica over Japan in a game where Los Ticos had been mostly on the defensive until putting away a goal in the 81st minute that now keeps their qualification hopes alive.
Canada were not so lucky, as their 4-1 defeat to Croatia means they are out of the World Cup.
Morocco has moved to four points and Croatia is also on four points after beating Canada later on Sunday. Belgium has three points, and Canada has been eliminated.
Morocco has only ever been past the group stage once at a World Cup, in 1986.
