Morocco's Jawad El Yamiq kisses the head of Portugal's Pepe during the quarter-finals at Al-Thumama Stadium in Doha. AFP

Syed Shayaan Bakht, Gulf Today

A Moroccan player Jawad El Yamiq kissing the Portuguese player Pepe on the head after he missed his chance for a late equalizer in the World Cup Quarter-finals at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, has gone viral on social media platforms.

Pepe missed a golden opportunity in added time to equalize and save Portugal from the brink of exit.

So El Yamiq walked after the ball went out of play and grabbed Pepe's head and planted a passionate kiss for missing the opportunity.
The kiss was telecast live to millions of football fans all over the world.

Social media users were quick to react to the scene, and gave birth to trolls.

A Twitter user with the name Prem Thakker said, “Still just boggled by the insane moment when Morocco defender Jawad El Yamiq kissed the bald head of Portugal’s Pepe after he missed this potential game-tying header.” 

Another said, “Pepe misses a big chance on 96th minute, a Moroccan player gives him a kiss on the head. Priceless.” 

Venant Mwakio wrote, “I saw that… didn't know what to make of it, I think he was thanking the head for getting it wrong.”

Jxion_ said, “He thought he was kissing the World Cup trophy.” 

UltimateBaldy said, “Brilliant. Just saying thanks to the head for missing, I love you.”

Kosar jnr. said, “He's like Yallah Yallah habibi khalaas khalaas.”

Morocco's 1-0 victory over Portugal on Saturday made them the first African and Arab team to reach the last four of a World Cup.

Three African teams had fallen in the quarter-final stage before Walid Regragui's side finally ended the continent's long wait for a semi-final spot.

Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010 had all made strong runs in the tournament but were unable to go beyond the last eight.