Qatar 2022: Morocco make historical past as Ziyech capitalizes on reward to safe spherical of 16 berth

So as to add to that, the Three Lions of England additionally completed high of their group, and it’s left to see if the Indomitable Lions can do the unthinkable of their remaining group sport to finish the set.

Morocco began with a well-known 4-3-3 and just one change from their shock win over Belgium as Yassine Bounou recovered from damage to reclaim his quantity spot from deputy Monir El Kajoui.

Realizing that that they had solely pleasure to play for, Canada opted to tinker a bit, switching to a again 4 for the primary time on the World Cup, with Jonathan David dropping to the bench.

Morocco hit the bottom operating and with solely 4 minutes on the clock, took the lead after a horrendous mistake by Canada’s goalkeeper Milos Borjan left Chelsea ahead Hakim Ziyech with the simplest aim from 30 years he’ll ever rating.

Morocco continued to use stress from counter assaults and had been forward by two after the half hour mark when Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri scored at his second consecutive World Cup with a cool end.

Canada pulled one again earlier than the tip of the half, however even in that needed to include the assistance of Morocco as Nayef Aguerd scored the primary personal aim of the 2022 World Cup to make it 2-1.

The second half was primarily educational as each groups appeared intent on seeing the sport out with the identical scores at full time as half time.

Morocco particularly appeared content material and targeted on ensuring that Canada didn’t dent their hopes for the second spherical in any method.

Each groups mixed for a complete of zero photographs heading in the right direction within the second half, and Morocco didn’t even get a shot on aim within the second 45 minutes in any respect.

Unpleasant although it was, Morocco’s determination to take a seat again and take in all of the stress ultimately labored, incomes them al three factors and a spot within the second spherical on the expense of Belgium.

Morocco had beforehand solely gained two matches of their historical past earlier than 2022, however their two wins in a bunch the place they had been anticipated to wrestle noticed them turn into the primary African crew to high a World Cup group since Nigeria in 1998.

They’ll now go on to the spherical of 16 the place they face one other powerhouse in Spain, and these fearless Lions have proven that with the fitting high quality on the proper time, something is feasible for them.

Canada return dwelling with no factors, however loads of pointers for a younger squad anticipated to peak when Canada host the World Cup in 2026.