Canada became the first co-host to exit the World Cup on Saturday. Morocco delivered a clinical 3-0 victory to secure their place in the quarter-finals. The 2022 semi-finalists executed a transformed second-half performance in front of 68,777 spectators at the air-conditioned Houston Stadium.
The opening period produced more bookings than shots on target. Canada actually looked the more confident side early on. Striker Tani Oluwaseyi turned sharply in the box after 10 minutes.
He forced goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to save with a stretched-out leg. Defender Alistair Johnston then failed to convert a free header from Canada’s fourth corner of the half.
Morocco suffered a significant injury blow after 20 minutes. Forward Ismael Saibari, who had scored three times at the tournament, came off for Soufiane Rahimi. A flashpoint occurred shortly before half-time.
Captain Achraf Hakimi and defender Richie Laryea engaged in a brief shoving match. Referee Michael Oliver showed both players yellow cards. Oliver booked six players in total, including four from Morocco.
Morocco emerged for the second period completely transformed. Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi broke the deadlock on 50 minutes. Hakimi pinged a low free-kick to Ounahi unmarked outside the box.
He swept in first time. Goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau had his view blocked by two defenders, and the ball also went through Rahimi’s legs.
Ounahi then doubled the lead on 82 minutes. He was in the right place again on the breakaway. He finished with another right-footed first-time strike. Substitute Rahimi then pounced in the 98th minute to seal the 3-0 victory with the last kick of the match.
Morocco became the first African nation to reach the quarter-finals more than once. They previously achieved the feat in 2022. Canada, conversely, saw their historic run end.
They had won a World Cup match and a knockout game for the first time to reach the last 16. Morocco will now face either France or Paraguay in the quarter-finals.
