De Bruyne is right, the Golden Generation is over! Belgium winners, losers and ratings as Hazard struggles in shock Morocco loss

Abdelhamid Sabiri:

During Huddersfield Town’s two-year spell in the Premier League between 2017 and 2019, Sabiri made just 13 appearances for the Terriers. He is now, though, on the books of Serie A outfit Sampdoria and the scorer of a match-winning goal at the World Cup finals. His big moment against Belgium came in the 73rd minute, just five minutes after he had been introduced off the bench. Sabiri whipped over a free-kick from the left that curled and dipped towards Courtois. With a runner getting across the Belgium goalkeeper, he was left helpless as the ball squeezed underneath him and over the line.

Hakim Ziyech:

The Chelsea winger has played just 148 minutes of Premier League football this season and appeared destined to miss out on World Cup selection at one stage after falling out with former Morocco coach Vahid Halilhodzic. He is in the Middle East, though, and remains the man most likely to provide a moment of magic for his country. Ziyech thought he had broken the deadlock in first-half stoppage-time but his whipped free-kick, which slipped over the body of an unsighted Courtois, was ruled out as Romain Saiss was judged to have been in an offside position and interfering with play when failing to get a glancing head on the ball. Ziyech did, though, provide the assist for Aboukhlal to fire Morroco’s second effort of the game into the roof of the net to cap an electrifying display.

Morocco fans:

If Walid Regragui’s side needed a lift prior to kick-off, then it was provided by those in the stands. The Moroccan national anthem was belted out by all concerned, with spines left tingling for those on the field – with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou deciding that he was unable to continue before a ball had been kicked. Belgium took control during the early exchanges, without ever really threatening, but a vocal and passionate fan base was not to be subdued. Wild celebrations were cut short when Ziyech’s effort late in the opening 45 minutes was chalked off, but Morocco’s loyal supporters were able to get the party started once Sabiri forced a breakthrough, Aboukhlal doubled their lead and dreams of a place in the knockout rounds were able to be formed.