Morocco became the second African country to reach the knockout stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup after beating Canada 2-1 on Thursday.
The North Africans, backed by noisy fans, took an early lead to keep themselves on track for a place in the last 16 and join Senegal in the knockout round of the competition.
Morocco hasn’t reached the knockout stage since 1986 in Mexico, when they beat Portugal 3-1.
Atlas Lions opened their Qatar campaign with a 0-0 tie against 2018 finalists Croatia and defeated World No. 2 Belgium 2-0 recently. With Thursday’s win, their second in the group, they topped the group with seven points and will face the runner-up in Group E, which includes Costa Rica, Germany, Japan, and Spain. Late Thursday matches will determine Group E’s winner and runner-up.
Croatia finished second in the group with one win and two ties. The tournament’s biggest disappointment was Belgium, which won one game, lost one, and drew one before crashing out.
Milan Borjan’s mistake cost Canada a goal on Thursday. Hakim Ziyech, the game’s MVP, scored again for Belgium. The Chelsea winger gave Morocco the lead early in the campaign.
Steven Vitoria passed to the goalkeeper after getting the ball outside the area in Canada’s half. Borjan had to shoot swiftly because the defender didn’t spot the advancing attacker. Ziyech noticed the open goal and fired in a wonderful chip that beat the goalie as he sprinted back to the net.
The Reds tried to battle back after Morocco scored in the fourth minute, but they were in damage-control mode.
The Atlas Lions kept up their heavy push, defended well, and countered when play allowed. En-23rd-minute Nesyri’s goal sparked a tremendous shout inside Al Thumama Stadium.
En-Nesyri, who was hounded by two defenders, received a long ball on the right side near the halfway line and scored Morocco’s second goal. With their goal apparent, Canada looked for chances to advance. After two strokes, Canada was eager to strike, but its long-ball tactics failed.
Morocco seems to have figured out their defensive scheme, as they continue to find gaps to apply pressure.
Five minutes before halftime, Canada scored an own goal. Sam Adekugbe crossed from the left flank. The ball grazed Nayef Aguerd’s outstretched right leg and beat Yassine Bounou at the near post, 2-1.
Canada kept attacking and pressured the Moroccan defence in the second half. Atiba Hutchinson hit the crossbar midway through the second half after Junior Hoilett set him up with a corner kick. Canada tried to score more goals, but Morocco held on to win and advance.
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