Morocco reached the World Cup quarterfinals after beating Canada 3-0 in Houston, ending Canada’s historic run in the tournament.
Canada started the match strongly and caused Morocco several problems with its high pressing. The North Americans created the best chances early on, but goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made two important saves to keep the score level.
In the 10th minute, Jonathan David was denied by Bounou after a quick Canadian attack. Two minutes later, Tani Oluwaseyi also tested the Moroccan goalkeeper, who made another important stop.
Morocco suffered a setback in the 21st minute when tournament top scorer Ismael Saibari was forced off with an injury. He was replaced by Soufiane Rahimi.
The game changed after the first half hydration break. Morocco became more organised, pressed higher up the pitch, and took control of midfield. The first half also saw yellow cards for Richie Laryea, Jonathan David, and Achraf Hakimi.
Morocco looked much sharper after the break.
In the 50th minute, Achraf Hakimi delivered a well worked free kick to Azzedine Ounahi, who fired a low shot into the bottom corner to give Morocco the lead.
Canada continued to fight for an equaliser. In the 67th minute, substitute Cyle Larin received a yellow card after colliding with Bounou while chasing a loose ball.
Ten minutes later, Tajon Buchanan tried his luck from outside the box, but Bounou made another good save to protect Morocco’s lead.
Morocco doubled its advantage in the 82nd minute. Brahim Díaz led a quick counterattack before passing to Ounahi, who scored his second goal of the match with a powerful finish into the top corner.
Deep into stoppage time, Díaz won the ball again and raced down the right wing before crossing to Soufiane Rahimi, who volleyed home to make it 3-0.
Morocco finished with 55.4% possession and completed 389 accurate passes with an 82.4% passing accuracy. Canada had 44.6% possession, completed 272 passes, and finished with a 76% passing accuracy.
The Atlas Lions will now travel to Boston for the quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of France and Paraguay.
