Luis Enrique: Spain Coach Issues Apology After Defeat to Morocco at the World Cup

• Spain boss Luis Enrique has apologised after the team's round of 16 exit from the World Cup
• The European heavyweights were eliminated from the tournament by Morocco on penalties
• Spain have failed to go beyond the last 16 since winning the 2010 World Cup in South Africa

Luis Enrique has issued an apology to the people of Spain following their elimination from the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The 2010 world champions were knocked out of the tournament by Morocco after a penalty shootout at the Education City Stadium.

Having enjoyed most of the possession, the European giants failed to make it count, as the North Africans defended resolutely to force the game to penalties.

Spanish-born defender Achraf Hakimi and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou were the heroes, as the Atlas Lions progressed at the expense of Enrique's team.

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"It could not be, we have tried but it has not been enough. We're sorry we didn't give you joy... that's football and life... get up," the former Barcelona boss wrote on Twitter.

It is the second time on a row the European football powerhouse are exiting the tournament at the round of 16. Four years ago, they lost to host Russia at the same stage on penalties.

Since winning the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Spain have not gone beyond the last 16.

De Gea trolls Luis Enrique

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Manchester United keeper David de Gea appeared to troll Spain, following their embarrassing elimination from the World Cup on December 6.

La Roja were sent packing from the ongoing tournament in Qatar after suffering a 3-0 defeat on penalties at the hands of Morocco.

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Heading into the crunch game, the Europeans were firm favourites to see off the North Africans and seal their sport in the quarter-finals.

Morocco dedicate win to Nouri

Players of Morocco celebrated their victory over Spain at the World Cup in Qatar, while also paying tribute to Abdelhak Nouri.

The Atlas Lions beat the 2010 world champions on penalties to advance to the last eight of the tournament.

After the match, the players - who were celebrating wildly - took a moment to remember Dutch-born Moroccan player Nouri.