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Doha –

Morocco defeat Canada 2-1 in the last game of Group F World Cup 2022. This result led the Atlas Lions to qualify for the round of 16.

Playing at Al Thumama Stadium on Thursday (1/12), Morocco quickly took the lead thanks to Hakim Ziyech’s goal in the 4th minute. Youssef En-Nesyri then doubled the lead in the 23rd minute.

Canada had reduced the score thanks to Nayef Aguerd’s own goal in the 40th minute, but there were no additional goals from Alphonso Davies et al. The 2-1 score for Morocco lasted until it was over.

Walid Reragui’s side finished Group F winners with seven points. Meanwhile, Canada must lift the bag with goalkeeper status and no points after losing three games.

[Gambas:Opta]

The course of the game

Morocco immediately took the lead in the 4th minute. Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borjan blundered as he left his nest and gave a short pass that actually led to Hakim Ziyech.

The Chelsea winger easily fired a measured shot into the Canadian goal which was empty and left by Borjan. Morocco leads 1-0.

Canada tried to equalize in the 15th minute. Thanks to a counter-attack, Cyle Larin fired a sharp cross in front of the Moroccan goal. Tajon Buchanan was there, but couldn’t hit the ball perfectly, so he shot wide.

Instead of equalizing, Canada conceded another goal in the 23rd minute. Achraf Hakimi fired a long ball from his own defensive area, towards Youssef En-Nesyri who was running towards the opposing penalty area.

Despite being escorted by two Canadian players, En-Nesyri managed to control the ball and then fired a powerful shot into the bottom right corner of the goal without Borjan being able to block it. Score at 2-0 for Morocco.

Although they had no hope of qualifying, Canada did not want to lose. The Reds’ efforts to score a goal finally paid off in the 40th minute.

Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd tried to cut off a cross from the right but turned towards the goal. Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou tried to hold back, but the ball kept coming. The 2-1 score for Morocco lasted until halftime.

In the second half, Canada was more dominant in possession. Once again, they want to end their journey at the 2022 World Cup with pride.

Alphonso Davies tried to equalize in the 58th minute but his left-footed shot from inside the penalty area went wide. With a 71st-minute corner kick, Canada squandered two golden chances.

Atiba Hutchinson’s header hit the post and touched the ground, but hadn’t crossed the goal line. The bounced ball was hit by Alistair Johnston, but his header flew slightly over the goal. Bounou was furious to see the Moroccan rear guard off guard.

With a goal lead, Morocco played further in the second half. The defensive strategy while counter-attacking occasionally seemed like the way to go the rest of the time.

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Canada chased the second goal in the remaining time, even Borjan came out of his nest and came forward in a dead ball situation in injury time, but Morocco managed to hold a 2-1 advantage until at the end.

Composition of players

Canada: Borjan; Johnston, Steven Victoria, Miller; Adekugbe (Hutchinson 60′), Osorio (Laryea 65′), Kaye (Kone 60′), Davies; Buchanan, Larin (Jonathan David 60′), Hoilett (Wotherspoon 76′)

Morocco: Bounou; Hakimi (Jabrane 85′), Aguerd, Saiss, Mazraoui; Ounahi (El Yamiq 77′), Amrabat, Sabiri (Aboukhlal 65′); Ziyech (Hamdallah 76′), En-Nesyri, Boufal (Amallah 65′)

(adp/afff)