Morocco roar past Canada into World Cup last 16

Morocco players throw coach Walid Regragui in the air after beating Canada at the World Cup in Qatar on 1 December 2022  — Twitter/FIFAWorldCup 

DOHA, AFP: Morocco powered into the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time in 36 years on Thursday with a 2-1 victory over eliminated Canada.

Goals from Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri ensured the North Africans finished top of Group F ahead of 2018 World Cup runners-up Croatia.

Morocco, who last reached the knockout stages of the World Cup in 1986, will face the runners-up from Group E in the last 16, with the identity of their opponents decided later Thursday. “It wasn’t easy, but when you have an opportunity to make history, you remember it,” Morocco coach Walid Regragui said.

“We’ve made lots of people happy this evening, but let’s not stop here. Before the tournament we set an objective – we said we wanted to give everything we’ve got and get out of the group stages. We can tick that box now.” 

Canada’s defeat capped a disappointing World Cup for the CONCACAF side, who depart after losing all three of their group games on their long-awaited return to the finals.