One of the last group stage fixtures for group B ended with Spain being on top of their table as they drew to Morocco in match day 3 of the World Cup 2018.

The visitors, despite destined for no progression to the knockout stages, were looking for their only win of the tournament for the sake of the team and its fans.

The Atlas Lions have played impressive football for the past three weeks but have fallen victim to harsh luck since their first fixture against Iran.

The game ended 2-2 as Spain got a goal in extra time to deny Morocco a win.

Despite only gaining a point in the World Cup, Morocco did manage to convert two solid chances while playing consistently impressive on the offence.

The visiting side pushed forward throughout the match putting the Former World Champions in a panic at times during the game.

Morocco scored their first goal in the 14th minute after a defensive error between Andres Iniesta and Sergio Ramos had been intercepted 50 yards out.

Khalid Boutaïb finished his run by slotting the ball through David De Gea’s legs as the away fans went wild in the stands.

It had proven to be a massive goal for the Lions as it only built up in their momentum and saw them continuously adding pressure.

However, only five minutes later, Spain managed to equalise with some vintage fluidity on the ball between Iniesta and Isco.

The Real Madrid midfielder smashed it into the Moroccan net when Iniesta fed the ball to him.

The first half was extremely nerve-racking and entertaining in the Kaliningrad Stadium as spectators hope for more in the second.

Both sides played rough throughout as the referee blew the whistle multiple times for fouls and bookings.

Morocco still looked like they had the upper hand as Nourdin Amrabat almost converted a missile of a ball 30-yards out which unfortunately hit the post.

Manchester United keeper De Gea looked like he was in a lot of trouble by the amount of times he had to save his defence.

Malaga forward Youssef En Nesyri broke the lock by heading in a set piece at the 81st minute. The North Africans looks sure to win their first match in the World Cup.

However, in the 91st minute, substitute Iago Aspas flicked in the ball in the Lion’s den from a set piece to destroy all hopes for the visiting side.

Before the goal could stand, a lot of scuffling happened during the approved VAR appeal.

After the replay, the referee stood with the goal and extra time wasn’t enough for Morocco to go out with more than one point.

The draw meant that Spain have now definitely qualified to the next round despite fears of Iran making a comeback against Portugal.

 

Source of Image: @FIFAWorldCup (Twitter)

 

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