Clinical Morocco ease past Canada 3-0 to reach World Cup quarter-finals

HOUSTON, July 4 : Morocco dispatched a determined Canada 3-0 in the World Cup last 16 on Saturday as Azzedine Ounahi scored twice and the the North Africans ended the co-hosts record run while advancing to the quarter-finals for the second time in a row.

The scoreline flattered Morocco, who were on the back foot for most of the opening period and failed to register an attempt on goal until the 28th minute after Canada had spurned a number of solid chances.

 The tame first-half performance caused Morocco's visibly frustrated coach Mohamed Ouahbi to shake his head on the touchline following misplaced passes and needless errors before his players turned things around in the second period.

"It’s a World Cup match and these are difficult games with teams playing for their lives," he said. "We reacted very well in the second half in the second balls and the duels."

"I have to recognise that Canada were impressive – they played a top match. It was no surprise for us but in the second half we were able to profit from the space they left us – that was the key."

Morocco also suffered an early blow when Ismael Saibari, who has scored three goals in the tournament, was forced off due to a hamstring injury and replaced by Soufiane Rahimi in the 22nd minute during a feisty first half in which the referee issued six yellow cards.

The 2022 semi-finalists struggled as an energised Canada came out aggressively from the opening whistle, pushing forward and pressing as Morocco struggled to click into gear.

Tani Oluwaseyi nearly gave Canada the lead early on when Morocco turned the ball over with the midfielder driving into the penalty area where he rifled a low shot that Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved with his leg.

FAIRYTALE RUN

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