JAKARTA - The Moroccan national team ensured their move to the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals after defeating the hosts Canada with a convincing score of 3-0 in the 16th round match at the Houston Stadium, Saturday, July 4 local time or Sunday, July 5 WIB.
Two goals from Azzedine Ounahi and one goal from Soufiane Rahimi ended Canada's historic journey and led the Atlas Lions to the last eight.
Canada started the match with confidence. Jesse Marsch's team immediately took the initiative to attack through the combination of Jonathan David, Tani Oluwaseyi, and Tajon Buchanan.
The high pressure applied made Morocco defend more throughout the first half. However, a number of opportunities created failed to score goals thanks to the disciplined performance of Morocco's back line and the brilliant performance of goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Morocco, who appeared in a 4-2-3-1 formation, chose to play more patiently and rely on quick counterattacks. The strategy began to bear fruit after halftime.
The deadlock finally broke in the 50th minute. Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi successfully took advantage of the opportunity inside the penalty box to give Morocco a 1-0 lead. The goal changed the course of the game as Canada began to open up space to catch up.
Jesse Marsch then brought in a number of substitutes, including captain Alphonso Davies who started the match from the bench because he was not in the best physical condition. The substitution temporarily increased the intensity of Canada's attack, but was unable to penetrate Morocco's tight defense.
On the other hand, Morocco is increasingly effective in utilizing empty spaces. Ounahi scored his second goal in the 82nd minute after completing a quick attack scheme.
When Canada continued to press at the end of the match, Morocco ensured victory through Soufiane Rahimi's goal in the 90th minute +8 using Brahim Diaz's assist. The score of 3-0 lasted until the final whistle.
Statistically, Canada performed quite competitively throughout the match. They were able to create a number of dangerous opportunities, but the final finish was the main weakness.
On the other hand, Morocco appeared very effective by maximizing the opportunities obtained and showing a solid game organization, especially when defending and making offensive transitions.
Coach Mohamed Ouahbi again showed tactical maturity. After being under pressure throughout the first half, Morocco was able to change the tempo of the game in the second half through the midfield dominance commanded by Ounahi and the creativity of Brahim Diaz. The defense led by Achraf Hakimi and Issa Diop also appeared disciplined in dampening the aggressiveness of the Canadian front line.
For Canada, this defeat ended their best journey in World Cup history. Even though they failed to advance to the quarter finals, the team nicknamed The Canucks made a historic achievement for the first time to qualify for the knockout phase of the most prestigious football tournament in the world.
Meanwhile, the victory over Canada made Morocco the first team to secure a place in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals. The Atlas Lions will next face the winner of Paraguay's match against France to compete for a ticket to the semifinals.
The line-up:
Canada (4-4-2): Maxime Crépeau; Alistair Johnston, Luc de Fougerolles, Moïse Bombito, Richie Laryea; Tajon Buchanan, Stephen Eustáquio, Niko Sigur, Ali Ahmed; Jonathan David, Tani Oluwaseyi.
Morocco (4-2-3-1): Yassine Bounou; Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Redouane Halhal, Noussair Mazraoui; Neil El Aynaoui, Ayyoub Bouaddi; Brahim Diaz, Azzedine Ounahi, Bilal El Khannouss; Ismael Saibari.
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