Canada 1-2 Morocco: The Atlas Lions Make World Cup History As They Top Group F
Morocco secured their place in the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup following a 2-1 win over Canada this afternoon.
The result, paired with Belgium’s 0-0 draw with Croatia, meant that the Atlas Lions finished top of Group F.
They’re joined from their group by Croatia, who finish second following their draw.
As for Canada, they head home with 0 points, extending their barren run at the World Cup finals to six games, and six defeats.
The Canadians had shown in their previous two games that they like to start fast ad had had success with it.
However, they couldn’t have asked for a worse start today as they gifted Hakim Ziyech an early Christmas present in the fourth minute.
After a weak back pass from Steven Vitória combined with a heavy touch from goalkeeper Milan Borjan, the Chelsea winger was left with an open net to lift the ball into.
The World Cup has been an international renaissance for Ziyech, who was on the outside looking in before Whalid Regragui took over as Morocco’s manager.
The North African nation kept the pressure high and were rewarded for it.
Youssef En-Nesyri doubled their lead in the 23rd minute with a superb strike.
The striker showed great pace to get away from Kamal Miller and bury the chance.
The goal means he becomes the first-ever Moroccan to score at two separate World Cups.
The Atlas Lions continued to pour on the pressure, yet it was Canada who were able to land the next blow.
Against the run of play, Sam Adekugbi broke down the left-hand side, putting in a hopeful cross that was turned into his own net by Nayef Aguerd.
Yassine Bounou, returning in goal for Morocco after missing the game against Belgium, was unable to keep it out.
The goal was the 100th of this World Cup so far, and surprisingly the first own goal after 38 games.
It was also the first goal Morocco had conceded under Regragui’s leadership in five and a half games.
En-Nesyri thought he had regained Morocco’s two-goal cushion in first-half stoppage time.
However, it was ruled out as Aguerd was standing in front of the goalkeeper in an offside position.
Canada were much more organised in the second half and took control of the game.
39-year-old captain Atiba Hutchinson thought he had equalised for Canada in the 73rd minute after coming off the bench.
But the ball hadn’t crossed the line, with the goal line technology showing it was inches away.
This appearance is likely to be the Canadian’s swansong in international football, and this would’ve been the perfect way to cap it off.
Morocco were reduced to counterattack options and found it tough to increase their lead.
There were a couple of chances late on but neither side added to the score line.
The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations from the Moroccan players, substitutes, staff, and the thousands of fans who were in attendance.
They go on to play the runners-up from Group E on Tuesday.
At the time of writing, it could be any one of Spain, Germany, Japan and Costa Rica.
Despite the disappointing results, Canada can look back at their 2022 World Cup campaign with pride.
It’s been a dramatic rise under manager John Herdman, and they will hope it will continue to grow towards the 2026 World Cup where they are one of the co-hosts.
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