Morocco reached the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup, equalling their best run in the competition back in 1986, thanks to a 2-1 win over Canada, which sees them move to the Group F summit and qualify as Group winner.
Quick goals from Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri at the start of the game gave the Atlas Lions a comfortable lead earlier on. Knowing a draw should be enough for qualification but a win can see them emerge as group winner.
Just after four minutes of kickoff, they are already in front after a poor clearance from Canadian goalkeeper, Milan Borjan presented Hakim Ziyech a glorious chance to pass the ball into the empty net with Borjon well off his line.
With 23 minutes on the clock, Youssef En-Nesyri gets on the end of an Achraf Hakimi’s through ball and powered his shot beyond Borjon, who was having a horror show in goal for his country and it was 2-0 to the North African.
Canada respond with a goal of their own just before the break. Sam Adekugbe did well down the left flank to beat a couple of Morocco players before sending a low cross into the box.
Naif Argued was first to it but unfortunately for the defender, he couldn’t get a desired touch and his deflection sends the ball goal ward. Yassine Bonou couldn’t do much to prevent the ball from beating him to his near post as well and Canada were able to get a goal to make it 2-1.
No further goal was produced after the interval and the North African held on for the win, which takes them up to seven points and enough to top the group after Croatia were unable to get a win against Belgium.
The Roberto Martinez’s Devils were much the better side and had two glorious chance at the hour mark but substitute, Romelu Lukaku was unable to convert the two chances.
The Inter Milan striker missed two further big chances as Belgium missed a total of five big chances on a day just one goal would have ensured their progress to the next round.
Croatia gracefully take the one point and qualify as runner up behind Morrocco and both now awaits their opponent in the next round as Group E teams play later today.
Belgium and their golden generation exit the competition, joining the already relegated Canada.
Author: Kehinde Hassan Afolabi
