A second half revival saw Morocco end co-hosts Canada’s FIFA World Cup homes and cruise into the the quarter-finals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A second-half Azzedine Ounahi double followed by Soufiane Rahimi’s late third sealed Morocco’s quarter-final berth next week against either France. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was tough on Canada, who were the better side in the opening period in front of a crowd of 68,777 as they sought to make more history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They came into the contest in uncharted territory, having won a World Cup match and then a knockout game for the first time to get to the last 16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They were clear underdogs and their fans were outnumbered by Morocco supporters at the air-conditioned Houston Stadium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yet they looked the more confident at the start, Tani Oluwaseyi turning sharply in the box and forcing Morocco’s Montreal-born goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to save with a stretched-out leg after 10 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From Canada’s fourth corner of the half, defender Alistair Johnston failed to make the most of a free header. Morocco, the 2022 semi-finalists, were rattled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After 20 minutes Mohamed Ouahbi’s team suffered a big injury blow, Bayern Munich-bound Ismael Saibari — who had scored three times at the tournament — coming off for Rahimi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Immediately after the drinks break Rahimi had a go optimistically from distance, registering Morocco’s first shot on target with a quarter of the game gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There was a flashpoint shortly before half-time when Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi and defender Richie Laryea had a brief shoving match, with both shown yellow cards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Referee Michael Oliver booked six players — four from Morocco — in a half high on niggly fouls and low on goal-mouth action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The build-up to the last World Cup game of seven in Houston, with the United States celebrating its 250th birthday, was the highlight until that point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Morocco, who beat Canada in the group phase at the 2022 World Cup, came out for the second period transformed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Five minutes after the restart Hakimi pinged a low free-kick to Ounahi unmarked outside the box and he swept in first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau had his view blocked by two of his defenders and the ball also went through Rahimi’s legs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On 82 minutes, Ounahi was the man in the right place again on the breakaway with another right-footed first-time finish, before Rahimi pounced in the 98th minute.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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