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Spain 2-2 Morocco: World Cup highlights and recap

By Kristofer McCormack

KALININGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 25: Iago Aspas of Spain celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Spain and Morocco at Kaliningrad Stadium on June 25, 2018 in Kaliningrad, Russia. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
KALININGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 25: Iago Aspas of Spain celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Spain and Morocco at Kaliningrad Stadium on June 25, 2018 in Kaliningrad, Russia. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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Spain and Morocco drew 2-2 in World Cup Group B on Monday, June 25. Here are all the highlights from the match.

Spain were forced to settle for a draw against Morocco in the final round of group matches, but were spared a second-place finish in Group B by a late, late goal by Iran against Portugal in the other game in the group.

Spain fell behind early after a mix-up between Andres Iniesta and Sergio Ramos in the 14th minute. Iniesta took a heavy touch on the halfway line, and instead of retrieving it left it for Ramos, who himself left it for Iniesta. The result was a one-on-one with David de Gea for Khalid Boutaib, who finished through the keepers legs.

La Roja responded well, however, controlling tempo in midfield and eventually scoring a beautifully worked team goal in the 19th minute. Thiago Alcantara started the play, before Isco, Diego Costa and Iniesta exchanged a wonderful series of passes that resulted in Isco’s close-range finish.

As dominant as Fernando Hierro’s side were in midfield, however, they remained vulnerable to Morocco’s direct counter-attacks. Boutaib nearly got his second of the match in the 25th minute after a direct ball from midfield, but this time de Gea was able to smother his shot. Still, it was a warning sign for the 2010 champions.

Hierro called on Iago Aspas and Marco Asensio to try to make a difference, but it was Morocco who took the lead. Youssef En-Nesyri, who plays his club soccer for Malaga in La Liga, get the goal heading in emphatically from a corner in the 81st minute to give his nation their first World Cup win in nearly 30 years.

Aspas’ introduction proved decisive late on, as he flicked in a cross to hand Spain the equalizer in second-half stoppage time. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but ultimately awarded after a VAR review. An almost simultaneous goal for Iran in the other game in the group turned a potentially embarrassing night into one of great relief for La Roja.

Next: Russia 2018: The best player on every team at the World Cup

Highlights

The round of 16 begins on Saturday, June 30.

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