Morocco beat Canada 3-0 to reach World Cup quarter-finals

Morocco secured an impressive 3-0 victory over co-host Canada in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 to book their place in the quarter-finals. The win also made Morocco the first African nation to reach the World Cup quarter-finals on more than one occasion.

After a goalless first half, Morocco finally broke the deadlock in the 50th minute. Azzedine Ounahi collected a free-kick pass from Achraf Hakimi and fired a powerful right-footed shot from outside the penalty area into the bottom corner.

Canada tried to respond but struggled to break through Morocco’s organised defence. The North African side remained in control and continued to create dangerous chances.

Ounahi struck again in the 82nd minute after receiving a well-placed pass from Brahim Díaz. He calmly finished from inside the penalty area to double Morocco’s lead and put the result beyond doubt.

Soufiane Rahimi completed the victory by scoring in the final minute of stoppage time, sealing a memorable 3-0 win for Morocco. Morocco will now face the winner of the Paraguay-France match in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals as they continue their impressive run in the tournament.

Also Read: France beat Paraguay to reach World Cup quarter-finals

Canada’s historic World Cup journey came to an end despite a determined performance. Playing in only their third FIFA World Cup, the co-hosts had reached the knockout stage for the first time after defeating South Africa in the previous round.

Canada created a few late chances, but Jonathan David’s free-kick sailed over the crossbar before Tajon Buchanan’s long-range effort was brilliantly saved by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who was born in Canada to Moroccan parents.

The match was highly physical, with the referee showing eight yellow cards, four to each team. Morocco also suffered an injury setback when midfielder Ismael Saibari was forced off in the first half.