By Our Reporter
Morocco produced a dominant second-half performance to defeat co-hosts Canada 3-0 and secure a place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup on Saturday in Houston.
The victory ended Canada’s impressive campaign, making them the first of the tournament’s co-hosts to crash out of the competition.
The 2022 World Cup semi-finalists will now face either tournament favourites France or Paraguay in the last eight.
After a tightly contested first half that produced more yellow cards than attempts on goal, Morocco broke the deadlock five minutes after the restart through midfielder Azzedine Ounahi.
Canada, buoyed by a passionate home crowd of 68,777, responded with determined attacks in search of an equaliser but were repeatedly denied by the Moroccan defence.
Ounahi doubled Morocco’s advantage in the 82nd minute, finishing off a swift counterattack to put the outcome beyond doubt.
Substitute Soufiane Rahimi completed the rout with virtually the last kick of the game, sealing a convincing victory for the North Africans.
Canada had enjoyed the better of the opening half and created the clearer opportunities.
Forward Tani Oluwaseyi forced Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou into an early save, while defender Alistair Johnston squandered a free header from a corner as the hosts pressed for the opening goal.
Morocco suffered an early setback when Bayern Munich-bound Ismael Saibari, one of the team’s standout performers at the tournament with three goals, was forced off through injury after 20 minutes.
The contest became increasingly physical before halftime, with referee Michael Oliver issuing six yellow cards, including bookings for Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi and Canada’s Richie Laryea following a confrontation.
Morocco emerged a transformed side after the interval and quickly seized control of the game.
Hakimi’s well-worked free-kick found Ounahi unmarked outside the penalty area, and the midfielder struck a first-time effort beyond Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau to give his side the lead.
Despite Canada’s spirited efforts to get back into the match, Morocco remained composed and clinical, adding two late goals to secure a comprehensive victory.
The win continues Morocco’s impressive run on the world stage following their historic semi-final appearance at the 2022 World Cup and keeps alive their hopes of another memorable campaign.
