sport news World Cup ratings: Bono and En-Nesyri shine as Morocco stun Portugal but ... trends now
Morocco provided yet another huge World Cup shock on Saturday by knocking out Portugal to reach the semi-finals in Qatar.
Walid Regragui's men became the first African side to reach the last four of the competition after defending valiantly to grind out a 1-0 win against Fernando Santos' team at the Al Thumama Stadium at the weekend.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and goalscorer Youssef El-Nesyri were excellent for Morocco, while Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo - who stormed off the field in tears at the final whistle - and Diogo Costa, at fault for the goal, struggled.
Below, Sportsmail's MATT BARLOW gives his player ratings and MAX MATHEWS offers his evaluation of each performance.
Morocco provided the shock of the World Cup as they beat Portugal 1-0 in the quarter-finals
Atlas Lions goalscorer Youssef En-Nesyri was excellent as his side progressed into the last four
But Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo was left in tears after the loss - and below, Sportsmail 's MATT BARLOW gives his player ratings and MAX MATHEWS offers evaluation of each performance
Portugal (4-3-3)
Diogo Costa - 5
At just 23 years old, Costa is the future of Portuguese goalkeeping. But he may not be the present. Rui Patricio, 34, has not done much wrong, and Costa will rue his ill-fated dash out of goal that allowed En-Nesyri to nod in the only goal of the game.
Diogo Dalot - 5
Perhaps surprisingly chosen ahead of Manchester City star Joao Cancelo at right-back, Dalot was strangely subdued throughout. He didn't really get close to winger Sofiane Boufal in defence or trouble Morocco left-back Yahia Attiyat-Allah in attack.
Pepe - 6
Surely an ignominious exit for the final time from a World Cup. The 39-year-old was solid enough in defence but gave away a few silly fouls and missed a sitter at the end. The constant histrionics and shouting at the referee do him no credit.
Young goalkeeper Diogo Costa was at fault for En-Nesyri's goal, leaving the net unguarded
It will surely be an ignominious exit from the World Cup for a final time for defender Pepe, 39
Ruben Dias - 6
Did not stand out and generally did his job well - apart from a moment of indecision which contributed to the only goal of the game, not challenging En-Nesyri in the air. That may have been down to getting a shout from Costa, though, to be fair.
Raphael Guerreiro - 6
Quieter than his previous appearances, but he was opposite a fierce competitor in Hakimi. Replaced shortly after the break.
Otavio - 6
His only notable contributions to the cause were falling down theatrically to try to win free-kicks. Did not get involved as much as he could or should have.
Ruben Neves - 6
A few crunching tackles early on set the tone for a physical encounter, but his playmaking abilities were shackled and he was sacrificed for Ronaldo in the 51st minute.
An embarrassing dive from Bruno Fernandes (above) tarnished the midfielder's performance
Bernardo Silva - 6
Provided his characteristic all-action performance but was unable to live up to his astronomically high standards. He will be disappointed.
Bruno Fernandes - 6
Looked the most likely player to create something for Portugal, with a Marco van Basten-esque dipping volley striking the bar. But overcooked several passes and dived in the penalty area when he could have shot. A mixed bag.
Joao Felix - 6.5
Drifted in and out of the game but stung Bono's palms with several fiery shots. Can create something out of nothing but needs more consistency to supplement his clear gifts.
Goncalo Ramos - 5
Had one opening, a second-half header, and missed it. The ruthlessness from the Switzerland thrashing abandoned him.
High-profile forward Ronaldo missed a one-on-one and this will surely be his last World Cup
SUBSTITUTES
Cristiano Ronaldo (for Neves, 51mins) - 5.5
Oh,
