#Match Report: Early Goal By Ronaldo Leads Portugal To Victory Against Morocco

Summary

Cristiano Ronaldo headed Portugal’s winner as Morocco became the first team to be knocked out of the World Cup. Ronaldo’s fourth goal of the tournament, from Joao Moutinho’s cross, saw him become the leading European goalscorer in international football with 85 goals.

Morocco had several chances to equalise, Rui Patricio’s excellent one-handed save denying Younes Belhanda at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. Belhanda thought he had levelled after meeting a free-kick with his head, but Patricio produced an instinctive stop.

Medhi Benatia wasted four chances, including a snatched shot in stoppage time, while Belhanda fired straight at Patricio before Morocco’s exit from the tournament was confirmed with one match still to play.

Moments

4′ Goal! Portugal 1, Morocco 0. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) header from very close range to the centre of the goal. Assisted by João Moutinho with a cross following a corner.9′ Attempt missed. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) right footed shot from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Raphael Guerreiro.39′ Attempt saved. Gonçalo Guedes (Portugal) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Cristiano Ronaldo with a through ball.40′ Foul by Medhi Benatia (Morocco).48′ Foul by José Fonte (Portugal).55′ Attempt saved. Younès Belhanda (Morocco) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the top left corner. Assisted by Nordin Amrabat.60′ Attempt missed. Medhi Benatia (Morocco) left footed shot from the centre of the box is just a bit too high following a set piece situation.68′ Attempt missed. Hakim Ziyech (Morocco) left footed shot from outside the box is too high from a direct free kick.78′ Attempt missed. Medhi Benatia (Morocco) with an attempt from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Hakim Ziyech with a cross following a set piece situation.