Jakarta (ANTARA) – Morocco have qualified for the Round of 16 of the World Cup for the first time in 36 years after winning 2-1 against Canada in the last game of Group F of the World Cup. Qatar 2022 world, this Thursday evening.
As AFP reports, goals from Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri saw the North African side finish top of their group ahead of 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia, who also finished top of their group. qualified for the round of 16 after drawing 0-0. against Belgium.
Morocco, who last reached the round of 16 at the 1986 World Cup, will face the Group E runners-up in the round of 16 with their opponents due to be announced on Friday.
Meanwhile, Canada had to end this year’s World Cup on disappointment after losing all three of their group games in their long-awaited return to the final.
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Morocco, who earlier on Sunday had beaten Belgium 2-0, had drawn enough against Canada to be sure of qualifying for the knockout stages.
In the match at Al Thumama Stadium, Morocco were able to open the scoring after the match had only lasted four minutes.
Canadian captain and goalkeeper Milan Borjan ran off the line to clear Steven Vitoria’s backpass but could only watch the ball fall on Moroccan Hakim Ziyech.
The Chelsea star took the opportunity to insert the ball into an empty net.
The absence at the start of the match overwhelmed Canada, while Morocco dominated even more with an additional goal in the 23rd minute.
Right-back Achraf Hakimi’s long ball was met by En-Nesyri from behind before hitting the near post to beat Borjan.
Canada pulled one goal back with a rare strike five minutes from halftime when defender Sam Adekugbe slid the ball over the left side of the net and fired a low cross.
Defender Nayef Aguerd released his foot and the ball deflected past Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to make it 2-1.
Morocco in the group standings have collected seven points from two wins and a draw, while Croatia are in second place with five points after registering a win and two draws.
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