Morocco in the U-20 World Cup Final after Epic Penalty Shootout
SANTIAGO, Chile – Morocco qualified for its first U-20 World Cup final after defeating France 5-4 in an exciting penalty shootout this Wednesday.
The unexpected hero was the substitute goalkeeper, Abdelhakim El Mesbahi, who came on at the end of extra time and saved the decisive penalty, sealing the victory for the Moroccans.
In the final, Morocco will face Argentina, who secured their place in the championship match thanks to a goal by Mateo Silvetti against Colombia.
The match against France was an intense duel. Morocco took the lead with an own goal by the French goalkeeper, Lisandru Olmeta, in the 32nd minute. France managed to equalize in the 59th minute, thanks to a goal by Lucas Michel.
The match remained tied 1-1 until the end of regulation time and extra time, which led to the penalty shootout.
Morocco’s coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, made a strategic change at the end of extra time, sending El Mesbahi onto the field for the penalty shootout.
The tactic turned out to be a resounding success. Mesbahi, who had not played in the previous matches of the tournament, stopped France’s last shot, executed by Djylian Nguessan.
El Mesbahi tenía fotos de los jugadores franceses en su botella de agua, con gráficos que sugerían la dirección de sus posibles penales.
The starting goalkeeper for Morocco, Yanis Benchaouch, suffered an injury during regulation time and was replaced by Ibrahim Gomis in the 64th minute. Gomis, in turn, was substituted by El Masbahi at the end of extra time.
Morocco dominated their group, surpassing Spain and Brazil. Then, they defeated South Korea and the United States to reach the semifinals.
The African nation’s best previous performance in the tournament was fourth place in 2005.
