Canada became the first of the co-hosts to exit the World Cup as a clinical Morocco won 3-0 to reach the quarter-finals on Saturday in Houston. The 2022 semi-finalists Morocco will face title favourites France or Paraguay as the business end of the tournament in North America approaches.
A Tough First Half for Canada
Canada, playing the biggest game in their footballing history, were the better side in the opening period in front of a crowd of 68,777. They sought to make more history after winning a World Cup match and then a knockout game for the first time to get to the last 16. Yet they looked the more confident at the start, with Tani Oluwaseyi forcing Morocco's Montreal-born goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to make a crucial save after 10 minutes.
Morocco's Transformation in the Second Half
Morocco, who beat Canada in the group phase at the 2022 World Cup, came out for the second period transformed. Five minutes after the restart, Achraf Hakimi pinged a low free-kick to Azzedine Ounahi, who swept in first time. Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau had his view blocked by two of his defenders, and the ball also went through Soufiane Rahimi's legs.
On 82 minutes, Ounahi was the man in the right place again on the breakaway with another right-footed first-time finish. Substitute Soufiane Rahimi then slipped in the third with the last kick of the match, sealing Morocco's victory.
Canada's Unlucky Day
It was a tough day for Canada, who were clear underdogs and had their fans outnumbered by Morocco supporters at the air-conditioned Houston Stadium. Despite their efforts, they couldn't overcome Morocco's clinical performance.
What's Next for Morocco
Morocco's impressive performance sets them up for a quarter-final clash with either France or Paraguay. Their journey in the tournament continues as they aim to go even further than their semi-final run in 2022.
