“They did nothing,” Rodri criticizes Morocco’s tactics despite Spain’s shocking elimination from 2022 FIFA World Cup


“They did nothing,” Rodri criticizes Morocco’s tactics despite Spain’s shocking elimination from 2022 FIFA World Cup

Spain midfielder Rodri criticized Morocco’s tactics during their World Cup round of 16 match, saying the North Africans gave ‘absolutely nothing’ despite advancing to the quarterfinals with a 3-0 triumph on penalties. At the Education City Stadium in Qatar, Spain’s Pablo Sarabia, Carlos Soler, and Sergio Busquets all missed from the spot as Morocco won the penalty shootout.

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As a result, Morocco became the first Arab country to reach the World Cup quarterfinals. Spain were eliminated on penalties for the third time in a major tournament in a row, having previously lost to Russia in the 2018 World Cup’s last-16 and to Italy in the Euro 2020 semifinal.

The Manchester City midfielder Rodri has criticized Morocco’s tactics during the game, saying the African nation merely “waited for counters” during the 120 minutes. “Morocco offered absolutely nothing, without disrespecting them,” Rodri said, according to the Daily Express. “In the game, they did nothing. They just waited for the counters. They stayed behind and tried to counter us.”

Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo spotted leaving field early despite Portugal’s sensational win over Switzerland in 2022 FIFA World Cup R-16

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2022 FIFA World Cup: Spain had just one shot on target against Morocco

2022 FIFA World Cup: Spain vs Morocco

Spain controlled 77% of the ball throughout the entirety of the game, completing 1,019 passes against Morocco’s 304. Despite dominating possession of the ball, the 2010 World Cup champions only managed to trouble the Moroccan goal once in 13 attempts. Morocco won the last-16 tie with six shots, two of which were on target.

Sarabia had come closest to breaking the deadlock in stoppage time at the end of extra time, volleying against the outside of the post. Since winning the World Cup in 2010, Spain has now suffered three straight early exits, with their title defence faltering in the group stage in Brazil in 2014.

Despite the loss, Luis Enrique stated that his team “followed my philosophy of football flawlessly,” and earlier in the week it was revealed that he had handed his team the job of taking 1,000 penalties before the World Cup more than a year prior.

Also Read: “They sacrificed themselves for me”- When Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi recalled her mother’s contribution in helping him become a football player

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Also Read: WATCH: US striker does pole dance wearing a Netherlands jersey after his nation’s defeat at 2022 FIFA World Cup