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Ammon News - Walid Regragui urged Morocco to keep dreaming of making even more history after his team became the first African side to reach the World Cup semi-finals.

Also the first Arab country to contest the tournament’s quarter-finals, Morocco defeated Portugal 1-0 in the last eight at Al Thumama Stadium in Al Wakrah.

Youssef En-Nesyri’s header three minutes before half-time sealed another place in the record books for Morocco, who now sit one match from a World Cup final.

Speaking immediately after the Portugal win, coach Regragui said: “What's important for future generations is we've shown that it is possible for an African team to get to the semi-finals of the World Cup. Or even the final, why not?

“Three or four matches ago, I was asked if we could win the World Cup. And I said, 'why not?' We can dream. Why shouldn't we dream? If you don't dream, you don't get anywhere. It doesn't cost you anything.

“European countries are used to winning the World Cup, so we're going to have to try and get in there - and go beyond ourselves.”

Morocco, unbeaten in all five matches in Qatar with only one goal conceded, qualified for the knockouts for the first time in 36 years by finishing top of their group.

They then saw off 2010 champions Spain on penalties in the last 16, before dispatching 2016 European champions Portugal, who introduced Cristiano Ronaldo as a second-half substitute, with a brilliant display of grit and fine play.