Morocco’s national team delivered a commanding performance in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup, dispatching Canada 3‑0 in a match that showcased both defensive solidity and attacking flair.
A well‑executed set‑piece opens the scoring
The breakthrough came in the 50th minute when a meticulously rehearsed free‑kick routine caught the Canadian defence off guard, allowing Azzedine Ounahi to slot the ball past the goalkeeper and send the Moroccan supporters into rapture.
Ounahi doubled the lead in the 82nd minute, exploiting a four‑on‑two counter‑attack that left the opposition scrambling as he finished clinically inside the box.
Soufiane Rahimi capped the scoring shortly thereafter, ensuring that the final whistle would be accompanied by a 3‑0 margin of victory.
Key absences and tactical adjustments
The win was tempered by the early withdrawal of midfielder Ismael Saibari, who succumbed to a hamstring strain in the first half, forcing the coaching staff to reshuffle the midfield and rely more heavily on Ounahi’s creativity.
Despite the setback, the team’s cohesion remained intact, with a fluid attacking approach that kept Canada under constant pressure.
Looking ahead, Morocco will meet the winner of the Paraguay‑France clash in the quarter‑finals scheduled for July 9, a fixture that promises another test of their growing tournament pedigree.