'Why not an African World Cup champion?' Regragui aims to blaze trail with Morocco
Morocco are in pole position to make it into the World Cup 2022 last-16 as they take on Canada in a decisive game in Group F this afternoon.
The Atlas Lions claimed a first World Cup victory since 1998 when they defeated Belgium last time out and another win today would secure them a spot in the knockout rounds.
Walid Regragui’s team haven’t made it out of the group stages since 1986 and it will be a huge success if they can get over the line today.
Canada are already out, exiting after two defeats in two despite plenty of exciting moments, but they won’t make things easy for Morocco.
Follow all the action with our live blog below:
Canada 0-2 Morocco
27 mins: Canada’s Jonathan Osorio in the book for a lunge on Abdelhamid Sabiri.
Right decision. Not so much nasty as just a bad tackle.
Canada looking fairly bright since going two down...
Canada 0-2 Morocco (En-Nesyri 23’)
23 mins: Morocco double their lead!
It’s a brilliant goal this! Achraf Hakimi - from right back - plays a delightful through ball to Youssef En-Nesyri who finishes with aplomb at the near post!
Could Borjan do better? Perhaps. Either way Morocco heading through - and at the moment top of the group!
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Canada 0-1 Morocco
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Canada 0-1 Morocco
21 mins: Game has slowed down a touch since that chaotic opening 15 minutes. Morocco trying to restore some calmness to proceedings given their one-goal lead.
Canada 0-1 Morocco
15 mins: Oh wonderful counter-attack from Canada!
It’s brilliant inter-play between Larin and Hoilett on the right - and Larin strides forward towards the box but his ball across the penalty area has just too much weight on it for Tajon Buchanan at the back post sliding in!
First bright spark from the Canadians!
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Canada 0-1 Morocco
11 mins: Morocco completely dominant here!
Ziyech this time whips in a free-kick from the right but Canada’s Cyle Larin hoofs clear.
What a start from the north Africans!
Canada 0-1 Morocco
9 mins: Sabiri takes a shot on from long range but Canada’s wall holds firm.
Borjan punches clear from the subsequent corner...
Canada 0-1 Morocco
8 mins: Canada’s Junior Hoilett in the book for a really late challenge on Moroccan midfielder Azzedine Ounahi.
Nasty that. Morocco have a free-kick, centre of the pitch, 30 yards out from goal...
Canada 0-1 Morocco (Ziyech 4’)
GOAL! Morocco have the early breakthrough - but what a howler from Canada keeper Milan Borjan!
It’s a poor back-pass from Canada defender Steven Vitória - Borjan gets there but it’s a heavy touch and Hakim Ziyech has the relatively simple task of tapping in to an empty net from 25 yards.
Desperate moment for Canada - elation for Morocco!
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