'Why not an African World Cup champion?' Regragui aims to blaze trail with Morocco
An impassioned Moroccan team clinched a spot in the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time since 1986 by defeating the already-eliminated Canadians 2-1 on Thursday, mercilessly capitalising on their opponents blunders.
Morocco, who needed a win or a draw in their final Group F match to reach the knockout rounds, took advantage of a weak clearance by goalkeeper Milan Borjan that landed on the foot of Hakim Ziyech. Cheered on by a boisterous crowd of Moroccan fans, midfielder Ziyech effortlessly lobbed the ball over the stranded goalkeeper to open scoring in the fourth minute. Borjan had been placed in an unenviable position by central defender Steven Vitoria, whose weak back pass forced the goalkeeper to race Moroccan forward Youssef En-Nesyri to the ball.
En-Nesyri remained dangerous throughout the first half, doubling Morocco‘s lead in the 23rd minute when he ran onto a long ball from Achraf Hakimi and beat Borjan at the near post. En-Nesyri also thumped a volley into the Canadian net during stoppage time in the first half but that goal was ruled offside.
With Croatia drawing with Belgium in the other Group F game, Morocco finish first in the group and will face the second-place finishers in Group E, which is made up of Japan, Spain, Germany and Costa Rica. Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd put Canada on the scoreboard with an own goal, the first of this World Cup, by accidentally flicking a cross by Sam Adekugbe past his own goalkeeper Yassine Bounou in the 40th minute. Canada, who are exiting their first World Cup since 1986 without a win, automatically qualify for the 2026 tournament as co-hosts along with the United States and Mexico.
Relive all the action with our live blog below:
Canada 1-2 Morocco
Most of the Morocco players are crying their eyes out here! It’s their first appearance in the knockout phase of the World Cup since 1986!
They will play the runners-up of Group E - which invovles Spain, Germany, Japan and Costa Rica and concludes tonight - at the Education City Stadium on Tuesday at 3pm (GMT).
Canada 1-2 Morocco
Joyous scenes for Morocco at the Al Thumama Stadium - the Morocco players are celebrating like they’ve won the whole thing!
Frankly, why shouldn’t they?!
Canada have caught the eye - but go home with three losses to their name.
(Getty Images)
Canada 1-2 Morocco
FULL-TIME: The Morocco substitutes sprint onto the pitch in celebration - they have done it!
Morocco finish top of Group F! Croatia come second, Belgium are out.
Canada end up pointless.
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Canada 1-2 Morocco
90+4 mins: Celebrations on the Morocco bench as they hear that Croatia and Belgium has finished goalless!
Belgium are out! Morocco about to finish top...
Canada 1-2 Morocco
90+2 mins: Terrible corner doesn’t beat the first man!
Borjan than screws up again with his feet in midfield... but Davies sprints back to cover for his goalkeeper!
Morocco look to be there.
Canada 1-2 Morocco
90 mins: Four minutes of added time here!
Canada have pushed and pushed and pushed in this second-half!
Borjan is up for Davies’ corner...
Canada 1-2 Morocco
87 mins: What’s Morocco keeper Bono doing!
Just outside the box, he chests the ball before grabbing it in his box - with Canada players onrushing!
That was a close run thing!
Canada 1-2 Morocco
84 mins: Booking for Vitoria, for an arm to the face of Morocco’s Hamdallah.
That’s been coming.
Meanwhile, Morocco make their final change: Hakimi comes off again, with Jabrane replacing him.
Canada 1-2 Morocco
83 mins: Davies whips in a corner for Canada but Jamieson gets too much on his header at the near post, with the ball flying over.
With Croatia and Belgium still goalless, Morocco are going through as group winners... as it stands!
Canada 1-2 Morocco
82 mins: Morocco counter quickly but sub Abderrazak Hamdallah takes too long to make a decision! Dispossessed by Hutchinson when he had options either side of him!
Will Morocco live to regret that?!
