Morocco creates earthquakes at World Cup 2022
A surprise 2-0 victory over Belgium in the previous round allowed Morocco to decide its own fate in the last leg. And teachers and teachers Walid Regragui did not disappoint the fans when deciding the match in the first half. They soon led two goals thanks to Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri. Despite conceding for the first time at the 2022 World Cup, from Nayef Aguerd's own goal, Morocco successfully defended the victory to finish the group stage with seven points, two points ahead of the second-place team Croatia.
This is the first time an African team has won the group at the World Cup after 24 years, since the "Blue Eagles" of Nigeria sent Spain home. Since 1986, the new Morroco team has participated in the knockout round of the World Cup. Bringing to Qatar a squad without outstanding stars but evenly, Regragui collected sweet fruits with a fiery pressing style and speed.
Against an immature Canada, Morocco opened the match in the fourth minute. Midfielder Steven Vitoria's pass was too light, causing Milan goalkeeper Borjan to go out to dispute with En-Nesyri. Borjan touched first, but sent the ball to Ziyech's feet and the Chelsea striker did not miss an opportunity when the goal was empty.
The early goal made Canada embarrassed and the boos of Morocco fans in the stands, every time the Canadian player had the ball, made things worse for John Herdman's teachers and students. 20 minutes later, receiving a pass from Achraf Hakimi, En-Nesyri decisively finished despite a narrow angle, making Borjan unable to fall. The ball is not difficult to go, but the Canadian goalkeeper seems to lose focus in this situation.
In the not-so-good game, Canada suddenly shortened the score at the end of the first half. Aguerd blocked Sam Adekugbe's cross but accidentally sent the ball home. Goalkeeper Bono tried to save even though he missed, but in the end, he pushed the ball over the goal line. This was the first own goal at the 2022 World Cup. Morocco was denied a goal in first-half stoppage time because Aguerd was caught offside.
The two coaches soon adjusted their personnel in the second half, both using all five rights, but no more goals were scored. Canada nearly equalized in the 71st minute, when substitute midfielder Atiba Hutchinson headed the bar and Alistair Johnston's effort to kick back was also unsuccessful. After the match, the Moroccan players went to Coach Regragui's channel to celebrate the historic feat.
Returning to the World Cup after 36 years, Canada presented a group of young players prepared for the tournament four years later, when they were the hosts. However, this country's team probably needs to improve a lot if it doesn't want to show a poor face like Qatar this year. With Morocco, they will meet the second team of Group E in the round of 16 on December 6.
