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Morocco advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time with a 3-0 shootout win over former champions Spain after a cagey last-16 match ended goalless on Tuesday.
After Pablo Sarabia hit the post, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved penalty kicks from Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets, and Spanish-born Hakimi held his nerve to earn his team a quarter-final against either Portugal or Switzerland.
Morocco became the fourth African country to reach the tournament’s last eight, 12 years after Ghana did so in South Africa.
Morocco fed off the raucous support of their red-clad supporters in the shootout as Spain crumbled after a scrappy match ended deadlocked at 0-0 after extra time with few shots on target.
Spain had more than 75% possession and almost 800 passes completed, but Morocco caused problems on the counter-attack and goalkeeper Unai Simon made some good saves.
Spain was eliminated from the World Cup on penalties for the fourth time, and the second time in a row.
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