MO-ROCKY KNOCKOUT

Spirit of Stallone hero inspires the underdogs

- David McDONNELL

CRISTIANO RONALDO could not hold back the tears as his World Cup dream was wrecked with Portugal's shock exit.

Morocco became the first African country to reach the World Cup semi-finals after adding Portugal to their list of prized scalps in Qatar.

Walid Regragui only took over as Morocco boss 81 days before the tournament started, but his unfancied side are just one game away from the World Cup Final.

The African nation have beaten Belgium, Spain and now Portugal, with Regragui comparing his side to boxing movie icon Rocky – played by Sylvester Stallone – for punching above their weight.

Regragui said: “We are the team that everyone loves in this World Cup because we’re showing the world you can succeed, even if you don’t have as much talent and money.

“It’s no miracle. Many of you will say it is, especially in Europe, but we’ve beaten Belgium, Spain and Portugal without conceding a goal.

“We have made our people and our continent proud. When you watch Rocky, you want to support Rocky Balboa – we are the Rocky of the World Cup.”