The Atlas Lions of Morocco on Saturday defeated Canada 3-0 to secure a spot in the World Cup’s quarterfinals.
The loss ends a historic run for World Cup co-host Canada, which won its first-ever knockout round with a 1-0 victory over South Africa to reach Saturday’s match.
Morocco’s Azzedine Ounahi opened the scoring 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 match 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.
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.
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 defence 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.
