Morocco has toppled another European soccer giant with a 1-0 win over Portugal to become the first African nation to advance to the semifinals of the World Cup.

The only scoring in the match came in the 42nd minute when Morocco's Youssef En-Nesyri took a cross from Yahya Attiyat-Allah and managed to get a header past goalkeeper Diego Costa for the sole goal.

Morocco's fierce defence on Sunday morning AEDT limited Portugal to just three shots on goal.

The team's previous tournament wins include victories over Belgium and Spain.

The match also will be remembered as perhaps the end of major international play for superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who was removed from Portugal's starting line-up at the start of the round of 16.

He was a second-half sub in the 51st minute, but, like his teammates, was stifled by the Moroccan defence.

If this is the end for Ronaldo at international level, he will finish with 118 goals — a record in men's soccer — and a European Championship title.

He only got as far as the semifinals in the World Cup, in 2006.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos said he did not regret starting Ronaldo on the bench.

"Cristiano is a great player and he came on when we thought it was necessary. But no, no regrets," he said. 

Meanwhile, ecstatic Moroccans poured into the streets waving flags, honking horns and lighting flares to celebrate the national team's historic victory.

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou said the win was a "pinch me" moment. 

"Morocco is ready to face anyone in the world. We have changed the mentality of the generation coming after us," he said.

Morocco played more than half of the eight minutes of stoppage time with 10 players because Walid Cheddira was sent-off following two yellow cards.

Morocco will play either England or France in the semifinals.

Reuters