Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Morocco defeated Canada 3-0 to secure a well-deserved spot in the World Cup’s quarterfinals, taking a step closer to the more decisive phases of the global tournament.
Morocco’s Azzedine Ounahi opened the scoring for Morocco in the 50th minute of the game, giving the fans relief after a very confusing first half that left Moroccans almost depressed. Ounahi also scored a second goal for Morocco in the 82nd minute. Soufiane Rahimi ended the game with a third goal in the added time.
Exhaustion, as well as pressure from the Canadian team, which had been aggressively attempting to create shocks but not convert its chances, tested Morocco. The Moroccan team, however, stood strong and balanced despite the showering of yellow cards by the British match official and an intense atmosphere from the other side, as Canada knew it was facing the Atlas Lions.
Highlights of the game
The first 10 minutes of the match started with balanced possession, but it is only fair to emphasize that Canada exerted pressure against the national defense and made attempts, but the national team goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, stood strong.
Possession, however, was under Morocco’s control in the first half of the game. Canada made more shots and more shots on target in the first half of the match.
Tension and pressure gripped the game, and Canada resorted to provocation and aggressive interventions. Saibari’s departure from the pitch for sure left some feelings of disappointment, but coach Mohamed Ouahbi ensured his team would carry on and create an immunity against the Canadians.
The first half finished in a confusing fashion, with the Atlas Lions creating more possession, control, and passes.
It was Ounahi again who made the difference to score twice for Morocco, ending Moroccans’ concerns about a potential equalizer from Canada, which did not happen eventually. Morocco made history again, reaching the quarterfinals, with a potential clash coming up on Thursday. Soufiane Rahimi scored a third for Morocco to finish the deal.
Fans expect France to win against Paraguay tonight and face off against the Atlas Lions in the quarterfinals. So will Morocco break the curse and defeat Les Bleus to go through?
The game showed the Atlas Lions’ dominance in tactical control, especially after Ounahi’s goal broke the deadlock. The second half showed Morocco playing with more confidence. Canada earned respect from its media, which said they exceeded expectations for this tournament by reaching the Round of 16. For the Atlas Lions, however, it was not a coincidence, as the national team has registered several historic participations, especially in 2022, when it reached the semifinals.
The Atlas Lions historic run
The Atlas Lions have been running a thrilling campaign throughout the World Cup, giving the fans chills and reminders of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The national team has been resilient, strong, and defiant against all opponents that came their way, including those that many expected to take the lead.
When it came to Brazil and its Real Madrid players, Morocco stood against them and stopped their Samba to keep the score at 1-1, with many players delivering masterclasses that will remain in their portfolios—including Ayyoub Bouaddi, who starred in the match.
Haiti came as an unexpected power, with their determination to score against the Atlas Lions, a team that qualified for the semifinals and made headlines by becoming the first Arab and African team to do so. They were eager to score and attempt to defeat the national team.
However, the Atlas Lions roared and kept their balance and control, defeating Haiti before meeting Scotland and also winning 1-0 against the Écosse.
In the Round of 32, Morocco triumphed against the Oranje with determination and resilience. Although they created many chances that were not converted into goals, they delivered a masterclass to show how they can come back into the game despite trailing by a little.
The win did not come easily and did not come by random chance, but teamwork contributed to their success, especially during the penalty shootout after Issa Diop brought the Atlas Lions back into the game with an equalizer.
It was Yassine Bounou who saved Morocco’s net, and it was Ismael Saibari who finished the game with a goal that ended the penalty shootout.
