Yassine Bounou has learned to be patient in his career, but the Morocco goalkeeper with a show-stopping nickname is proving he more than belongs on the big stage at the World Cup.
An unused squad member at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Bounou - or "Bono" as the name on his shirt reads - has played a big part in helping Morocco set a new benchmark for African football in Qatar.
With 14 foreign-born players in the squad, it has been unity in diversity for Morocco - and there is no better example of that solidarity than a defense which has conceded just once in five matches.
Bounou kept Croatia at bay in their tournament opener. He then suddenly disappeared just before kick-off in a 2-0 win over Belgium. Coach Walid Regragui said he felt unwell after a knock against Croatia.
The 31-year-old hasn't put a foot wrong since his return against Canada, the country of his birth. Despite Nayef Aguerd's own goal, a 2-1 win sent Morocco through as Group F winners.
Remarkably, no opposing player has scored against Morocco in Qatar - despite the North Africans needing penalties to see off Spain in the last 16. They won that shootout 3-0.
Bounou was again man of the match in a 1-0 victory over Portugal.
"These kinds of moments are difficult to believe," said Bounou, "but we've come to change the mentality, our insecurity. Moroccan players can compete against anyone in the world."
Bounou's success is a prime example of persistence paying off.
He signed for Atletico Madrid in 2012, spending two seasons with the reserves, before moving on loan to Real Zaragoza. With opportunities limited at Atletico, he left for Girona in 2016 and helped them immediately win promotion to the Spanish top flight.
After Girona's relegation, Bounou joined Sevilla on loan for the 2019-20 season and starred as they won a record sixth Europa League title.
Yassine Bounou
