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Moroccan goal keeper Yassine Bounou played in Kochi in 2018

Morocco has been the biggest surprise of the tournament
Moroccan goal keeper Yassine Bounou played in Kochi in 2018
Moroccan goal keeper Yassine Bounou played in Kochi in 2018

ITDC INDIA EPRESS/ ITDC NEWS Morocco advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time, beating Spain 3-0 in a penalty shootout on Tuesday.

After 120 minutes of goalless match, 31-year-old goalkeeper Yassine Bounou stopped the penalties from Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets, making Morocco the only Arab and African nation left in the FIFA World Cup

Morocco has been the biggest surprise of the tournament and will next face either Portugal or Switzerland. After the victory, Bounou who has been playing with Sevilla since 2019-20 said: "On behalf of all the players, I want to thank the fans who helped us in this task. I congratulate all the players and I offer this gift to all the Moroccan people."

In 2018,  Bounou was one of the stars who played a tournament in Kochi. He was with Spanish LaLiga side Girona as they participated in a three-team pre-season friendly tournament. Besides Kerala Blasters, the hosts, Australia's Melbourne City FC were also part of the event. Back then, Girona were a new entrant to the LaLiga that was dominated by Real Madrid and Barcelona. The Catalans won the opening match at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi by 6-0. Bounou did make at least one notable save that night. However, a few days later when Kerala Blasters hosted Girona, Bounou was rested. Nevertheless, Girona won that match 5-0 to win the pre-season event.

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