Morocco Cruise Into World Cup Quarter-finals With 3-0 Win Over Canada
Morocco became the first team to book their place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals after a convincing 3-0 victory over Canada. The defeat also made Canada the first of the host nations to be eliminated from the tournament.
Xtratime Web Desk: Morocco became the first team to book their place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals after a convincing 3-0 victory over Canada. The defeat also made Canada the first of the host nations to be eliminated from the tournament.
A brace from Azzedine Ounahi and a late strike by Soufiane Rahimi sealed an emphatic win for the African champions, who will now face the winner of the France vs Paraguay clash in the quarter-finals.
Morocco, who created history by reaching the semi-finals in the previous World Cup, have once again underlined their credentials as serious title contenders.
Despite the final scoreline, Canada made the brighter start and dominated the opening stages. Playing with attacking intent, they came close to taking the lead, but Tani Oluwaseyi was denied by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who produced a crucial save.
Morocco suffered an early setback when midfield star Ismael Saibari was forced off with a hamstring injury. However, the North Africans gradually took control of the match and broke the deadlock in the 50th minute through Ounahi.
Canada pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Morocco struck again on the counter-attack in the 82nd minute. Brahim Díaz drove into the penalty area from the right, drawing two defenders before laying the ball off to Ounahi, who calmly finished to double the lead.
Deep into stoppage time, Soufiane Rahimi added the third goal to complete a dominant performance and cap off a comfortable victory.
With a commanding display and growing confidence, last edition's semi-finalists will head into the quarter-finals believing they can make another deep run in the tournament.
