Qatar 2022: Morocco beat Canada to top Group F; Belgium out after goalless draw with Croatia
Morocco qualified as Group F winners after beating Canada 2-1 to reach the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
The African side were gifted their opener as Canada’s goalkeeper Milan Borjan made a horror mistake by giving the ball to Hakim Ziyech, who chipped it into an empty net within the first five minutes.
Things got worse for John Herdman’s side when Youssef En-Nesyri latched onto a long ball and finished brilliantly as the Atlas Lions made the most of their dominance.
Canada had some fortune and pulled one back just before half-time when Nayef Aguerd deflected a cross into his own goal.
They were much improved after the break and hit the bar when Atiba Hutchinson climbed highest and headed at goal, however, Morocco defended resiliently to hold on.
Morocco becomes the only second African side to top a World Cup after Nigeria in 1998.
Croatia join them in the knockout rounds after their tense goalless draw with Belgium.
Roberto Martinez’s side, who finished third in Russia four years ago and are ranked second in the world, have had a disappointing tournament with just one win and one goal in their three matches.
They produced another lacklustre display against Croatia despite knowing victory was necessary to progress to the last 16.
Substitute Romelu Lukaku had numerous chances in the second half but his failure to convert any sealed his country’s fate.
Lukaku, searching for sharpness following injury, hit the post from in front of goal, poked an effort wide when well-placed and reacted too slowly when the ball hit him in the six-yard box in stoppage time.
Croatia, finalists in 2018, got the point they needed to progress from Group F as runners-up, with Morocco taking top spot thanks to a 2-1 win against Canada.
Morocco will take on Spain as Croatia tackle Japan in the Round of 16.
