If you were hoping for a Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo mega-final at the World Cup, the Atlas Lions of Morocco have ended those hopes.
Morocco stunned Portugal on Saturday in the World Cup quarterfinals, pulling off yet another shocking upset to change the complexion of the world's biggest tournament.
Coming into the match, Morocco were listed at +3500 to win the 2022 World Cup, while Portugal were just shy of +500. Morocco had already pulled off a few upsets in this tournament, however, and they most recently got past Spain in a round of 16 penalty shootout.
There was a precedent for what this team is capable of, and clearly Portugal hadn't done their homework well enough. At a whopping +475 price, Morocco beat Portugal 1-0, moving their World Cup odds all the way down to +1100 with two games to play.
Morocco were also +260 to advance out of the fixture, but there was no extra time or penalties required this time around.
Highest Pre-Tournament odds to win the World Cup — teams to make the Semifinals (Last 40 Years)
𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐨, 𝟐𝟓𝟎-𝟏
2002 South Korea, 150-1 (L, Semis)
2010 Uruguay, 100-1 (L, Semis)
2002 Turkey, 75-1 (L, Semis)
1994 Bulgaria, 50-1 (L, Semis)(via @SOHistory) pic.twitter.com/I6gF5HpCsi
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) December 10, 2022
A Youssef En-Nesyri goal in the 42nd minute of the match was enough to give Morocco the separation they needed, as they conceded plenty of the ball but not the key statistic, a goal.
Argentina and Croatia, who already booked their place in the other World Cup semifinal, are listed at +170 and +750, respectively.
Morocco will play the winner of England and France, who are set to kick off at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday.
France, the defending World Cup champions, are +250 while the Three Loins are +360.
If you're looking for more context on just how much of an upset run Morocco is on, read here.
Editor’s Note: Action Network mourns the loss of Grant Wahl, and we send our love to his family and friends.
