Morocco's under-17 national team has complicated their journey to the next round after enduring a crushing 6-0 loss to Portugal in their second Group B match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The game took place on Thursday at Stadium No. 8 in the Aspire Zone, Doha. At the outset, the Moroccan players adopted a cautious approach to fend off an early setback, constructing a defensive barrier to thwart Portuguese advances. With a supportive crowd behind them, the Atlas Cubs controlled the midfield, aiming to keep the Portuguese players at bay and away from goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch's net. Despite Morocco's defensive efforts, the Portuguese, dominating possession, diversified their tactics to penetrate Morocco's penalty area with swift incursions from both flanks and the midfield. Under relentless pressure, the Moroccan defense gave way, conceding a goal in the 20th minute to Joao Aragao. Just two minutes later, Anisio Cabral doubled the lead with an assist from Mauro Furtado. Struggling to find a foothold, Morocco's defense crumbled further, allowing two more goals: one from Mateus Mide in the 29th minute and another from a penalty in the 44th minute. After halftime, Portugal continued their offensive onslaught, with Jose Neto netting a fifth goal in the 46th minute. Despite substitutions by coach Nabil Baha—introducing Abdelali Eddaoudi and Hamza Bouhaddi in the 33rd minute, Nahel Haddani and Ahmed Mouhoub in the 45th minute, and Ismail El Aoud in the 68th minute—the dynamics remained unchanged. The well-organized Portuguese side dominated the game, with Jose Neto completing a brace in the 60th minute, sealing the 6-0 victory. The Atlas Cubs are set to face New Caledonia in their next match on Sunday at Field No. 1 of the Aspire Zone.
