Morocco Beat Canada To Reach Knockout Stage In Qatar World Cup

Morocco advanced to the World Cup’s round of 16 for the first time since 1986 after defeating Canada 2-1 to win Group F.
The Canadian goalie Milan Borjan made a terrible error by handing the ball to Hakim Ziyech, who chipped it into an empty net within the first five minutes, giving the African team the lead.

The Atlas Lions took advantage of their superiority when Youssef En-Nesyri pounced onto a long ball and finished beautifully, making things worse for John Herdman’s team.

Nayef Aguerd’s fortunate deflection of a cross into his own goal shortly before halftime gave Canada a point.
After the break, they significantly improved, and Atiba Hutchinson’s goal-bound header hit the bar, but Morocco’s tenacious defense allowed them to cling on.
With Croatia joining them in the knockout stages following their dramatic goalless draw with Belgium, Morocco tops the group.

It’s a noteworthy day in Morocco. These players have made history by being the second group of players to ever be eliminated, and they will provide a threat in the knockout stages.
There aren’t many better teams in the World Cup defensively than this one because of the team’s genuine faith and trust. The entire team works incredibly hard to keep the opposition out and is organized, disciplined, and compact.

Sofyan Amrabat is defending them in front as Morocco presses hard from the front and has a strong back. It can occasionally sound like a home game in Qatar due to the sheer number of loud fans there.

Ziyech was excellent. He is the team’s standout player, and without him, they would be unable to defeat an opponent with skill and originality. Ziyech enters on his stronger left foot cutting in from the right and cannot be stopped. He is excellent down the right flank, and a lot of Morocco’s attacks go through him and Achraf Hakimi.

Canada: Borjan 3, Johnston 7, Vitoria 6, Miller 6, Adekugbe 6, Osorio 6, Kaye 5, Davies 6, Hoilett 7, Buchanan 7, Larin 5.

Subs: Hutchinson 7, Kone 7, David 5, Laryea 6, Wotherspoon 6.

Morocco: Bono 6, Hakimi 8, Aguerd 6, Saiss 7, Mazraoui 6, Amrabat 9, Ounahi 9, Sabiri 6, Ziyech 9, Boufal 6, En-Nesyri 8.

Subs: Aboukhal 6, Amallah 6, Hamdallah 6, El Yamiq 6, Jabrane 6.

A terrible error from Borjan results in a 4′ GOAL (ZIYECH). It’s a Christmas present early. The keeper sprints out to beat En-Nesyri to Vitoria’s back pass after it is too short.

When he arrives, he should clear, but instead, he tries to dribble it out. When Ziyech receives Borjan’s hefty touch, the goalie is outside of his box as Ziyech chips the ball into an empty net. What a good beginning—a present for Morocco.

En-Nesyri scores in the 23rd minute; such a goal! The striker grabs hold of Hakimi’s long pass, speeds past the defenders and finishes it with strength past Borjan.
Aguerd scores an own goal in the 40th minute. Aguerd blocks Adekugbe’s low cross, and the deflection misdirects Bono and causes him to go

40′ OWN GOAL (AGUERD) – Own goal by Aguerd. Aguerd blocks Adekugbe’s low cross, and the deflection fools Bono and slips under him.

Today marked Atiba Hutchinson’s 101st appearance for Canada. He is the only member of the Canadian team that was alive for their previous World Cup appearance.