Spain dumped out of World Cup 2022 by Morocco – and it could benefit England

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    Spain have been dumped out of the World Cup by minnows Morocco and it could go on to benefit England.

    Luis Enrique's side were unable to find the back of the net during the 90 minutes as the match went to extra-time before they were beaten by their African opponents. The match had taken place on England's side of the draw, with the winners potentially lying in wait in the last four.

    Instead, England will no longer be able to face Spain and would play either Morocco, Portugal or Switzerland if they beat France in Saturday's quarter-final encounter.

    READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo dropped by Portugal for World Cup round of 16 clash with Switzerland

    Substitutes Pablo Sarabia and Carlos Soler both missed penalties as Yassine Bounou saved two spot-kicks to hand Morocco a 3-0 victory in the shootout.

    Paris Saint-Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi, who was born in Spain, then grabbed the winning penalty as he chipped the ball down the middle to cue jubilant celebrations from the passionate Morocco fans in the stands.

    The result means Spain have failed to reach the last eight at any of the three World Cups since they won the competition back in 2010.

    As for Morocco, they have now achieved their best-ever performance in the tournament after only reaching the knockout stages for the second time.

    Spain had been inches away from winning the match with the last kick in extra-time as Sarabia struck the post from a tight angle. He then hit the woodwork again with his penalty during the shootout.

    Morocco now have the chance to become the first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final on Saturday afternoon when they take on the winner of the match between Portugal and Switzerland.

    The winner of that match would then face either France or England next week for a place in the final. The Three Lions take on the defending champions on Saturday night.

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    • World Cup
    • Spain

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