FIFA World Cup 2022: Canada vs Morocco 1-2 Report

Morocco beats Canada and advanced to the round of 16

Morocco secured a 2-1 win over Canada at Al Thumama Stadium to secure their first place in the last 16 of a World Cup since 1986.

After starting the 2022 World Cup with a goalless draw against Croatia, victories over Belgium and Canada see Morocco top Group F.

Hakim Ziyech opened the scoring after four minutes before Youssef En-Nesyri doubled the lead in an entertaining first half.

Canada managed to halve the deficit thanks to a Nayef Aguerd own goal, while En-Nesyri had a first-half shot in added time.

John Herdman’s side came close to equalizing in the second half when Atiba Hutchinson’s powerful header hit the bar before falling over the goal line, but Morocco held on to secure a narrow win.

After Canada left the tournament without points, Morocco meet runners-up in Group E on Tuesday.

Morocco went into the game knowing that a draw would be enough to secure a place in the last 16, but their eyes were fixed on victory after conceding an opener in four minutes.

Steven Vitória’s pass put Milan Borjan under pressure, but instead of clearing his lines, the goalkeeper passed the ball straight to Ziyech, who, with a great first touch from Borjan, sparked scenes of cheering from the many Moroccans in the stadium.

From behind, Canada showed signs of a comeback when Cyle Larin sent a low cross to the far post but a slip by Tajon Buchanan missed the ball.

Despite Canada being eliminated before the last game of the group stage, hopes of taking the first point of the tournament were dashed when Morocco doubled their lead in the 23rd minute.

Achraf Hakimi found En-Nesyri with a precise ball from behind the Canadian defense and the Sevilla striker kept his composure to fire a low shot past Borjan.

Despite being second best for most of the first half, Herdman’s side managed to score in the 40th minute when Nayef Aguerd accidentally headed a cross past the keeper.

In added time, En-Nesyri thought he had restored Morocco’s two-goal lead, but his volley against a player who had blocked the goalkeeper’s line of sight was ruled offside.

Unlike the top 45, Canada dominated possession in the second half while Morocco made the decision to defend their lead.

The best chance of the second half came in the 72nd minute when Hutchinson came very close to equalizing.

Hutchinson climbed higher in the box to find Junior Hoilett’s corner, his powerful header rebounding off the underside of the bar before hitting the line, while Alistair Johnston was only able to head over the bar on the ensuing rebound.

As the competition entered the final stages, Morocco began to fall deeper to defend what they had and with Canada ultimately unable to equalize late on, Walid Regragui and his team were able to celebrate a memorable win that helped earn the first to secure a place in the group.