Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou stops a penalty shot by Spain’s Sergio Busquets throughout a penalty shootout of the World Cup spherical of 16 soccer match between Morocco and Spain, on the Schooling Metropolis Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022. (AP Photograph/Ebrahim Noroozi)
Doha: Morocco’s Yassine Bounou put his World Cup penalty-saving heroics in opposition to Spain on Tuesday all the way down to a combination of luck and instinct.
The Sevilla stopper saved two of Spain’s penalties within the 3-0 shootout triumph as his aspect reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the primary time of their historical past.
The match had completed goalless after extra-time.
“You already know penalties, it’s a little bit little bit of instinct, a little bit little bit of luck,” Bounou instructed beIN Sports activities.
“We gained, that’s a very powerful factor. Hats off to the entire workforce, they did the job, it was unimaginable.
“It’s not straightforward to remain centered for 120 minutes, in opposition to a Spanish workforce that dominates the ball nicely, who has possession.
“While you stay moments like this, generally it’s laborious to understand it. We’ll attempt to keep away from the noise round us, keep centered on ourselves, on our job, our restoration.”
Morocco, the final African aspect and solely remaining Arab workforce left within the event, will face Portugal or Switzerland within the quarter-finals in Qatar.
“I’m so glad for the workforce — they did an incredible job all via the sport,” mentioned Bounou.
“We understood (easy methods to play) the sport from the beginning, so I’m so glad for this win.”
Morocco followers packed Schooling Metropolis Stadium and vastly outnumbered Spain supporters, creating an intimidating and spectacular environment.
Bounou was additionally grateful for the help from house.
“We felt the help of our followers in Morocco and elsewhere, and that gave us momentum within the stadium,” the goalkeeper instructed reporters.
“On behalf of all of the gamers, I need to thank the followers who helped us on this job.
“I congratulate all of the gamers and I provide this reward to all of the Moroccan individuals.”
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