Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo became Europe’s record international goalscorer when his early bullet header for Portugal earned a trying 1-0 win against Morocco, who became the first nation eliminated from World Cup 2018.
Ronaldo, 33, rose highest in the fourth minute to nod home Monaco midfielder Joao Moutinho’s inviting centre at Luzhniki Stadium. This was both a leading fourth goal in Russia and 85th effort for his nation in 152 matches – bettering Ferenc Puskas’ tally set for Hungary from 1945-56.
Morocco responded in determined fashion, but could not convert a succession of presentable chances.
Here are our Morocco player ratings:
MOROCCO (4-2-3-1)
Munir Mohamedi – 7: Showed great athleticism to deny Paris Saint-Germain-owned forward Goncalo Guedes in second-half. Otherwise, had a surprisingly quiet afternoon.
Nabil Dirar – 6: Curbed his attacking instincts to allow adventurous right winger Nordin Amrabat to bomb on with impunity. Had the better of Internazionale’s Joao Mario.
Mehdi Benatia – 5: Another erratic performance from the Juventus centre-back. Lucky not to receive a second yellow card for fouling Ronaldo and wasted plenty of chances.
Manuel da Costa – 6: The former Portugal youth international justified his start, after being a late substitute during 1-0 defeat to Iran. Was fired up for this one.
Achraf Hakimi – 7: His performance levels oscillate from match to match. This time, offered the perfect support for man-on-a-mission Hakim Ziyech of Ajax.
Karim El Ahmadi – 7: His partnership with fellow Netherlands-born centre midfielder Mbark Boussoufa is formidable. Provides the brains of the team.
Mbark Boussoufa – 7: A pair of seasons in the Arabian Gulf League at Al Jazira has not dulled his ability. Helped get the better of his opposite numbers in white.
Nordin Amrabat – 7: The protective gear did not last long and he showed no ill effects of the head blow that brought him off against Iran. Thorn in Raphael Guerreiro’s side.
Younes Belhanda – 5: Galatasaray playmaker has had an underwhelming World Cup. Was denied twice in quick succession by goalkeeper Rui Patricio and then hooked.
Hakim Ziyech – 8: The coveted Ajax creator would have scored even higher if the likes of Benatia, Belhanda and Khalid Boutaib had converted his chances.
Khalid Boutaib 4: The glaring weakness for the Atlas Lions is in attack. Yeni Malatyaspor’s Boutaib did little to dispel this notion during his time on the pitch.
1 - Morocco 🇲🇦 is the first team eliminated from the World Cup 2018. Exit.#WorldCup #PORMAR
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) June 20, 2018
SUBS
Ayoub El Kaabi – 5: The raw RS Berkane man dropped out of the XI. Didn’t make much of an impact when thrown on.
Mehdi Carcela-Gonzalez – 6: One good chance fell way of the Standard Liege-loanee, but he couldn’t profit.
Faycal Fajr – N/A: The Getafe attacking midfielder couldn’t make an impression in short spell of activity.
