'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 1-2 Morocco
83 mins: Davies whips in a corner for Canada but Jamieson gets too much on his header at the near post, with the ball flying over.
With Croatia and Belgium still goalless, Morocco are going through as group winners... as it stands!
Canada 1-2 Morocco
82 mins: Morocco counter quickly but sub Abderrazak Hamdallah takes too long to make a decision! Dispossessed by Hutchinson when he had options either side of him!
Will Morocco live to regret that?!
Canada 1-2 Morocco
80 mins: Moroccan fans doing the Icelandic clap, creating a thunderous atmosphere around the stadium.
10 to go. Canada still dominating. Morocco are deep, very deep...
Canada 1-2 Morocco
76 mins: Hoilett makes way for Wotherspoon for Canada.
Another double sub for Morocco too: Ziyech and Ounahi OFF; Hamdallah and El Yamiq ON.
Can Morocco hold on?! A place in the last-16 on the line - they need a point here!
Canada 1-2 Morocco
72 mins: Oh so close for Canada!
Atiba Hutchinson wins the header from the corner and it smashes the bottom of the crossbar - hits the line - and then Jamieson can’t get his head over the ball following up!
Inches away for the Canadians! Morocco’s lead hanging by a thread...
Canada 1-2 Morocco
71 mins: Davies’ free-kick is overhit but is nonetheless headed behind by Morocco’s Romain Saïss.
Canada corner...
Canada 1-2 Morocco
70 mins: Ziyech accelerating - surging! - towards the Canada penalty area and he looks like he’s been tripped, but no free-kick says the referee.
Yet Buchanan wins one in the Morocco half. Chance to swing one in here...
Canada 1-2 Morocco
65 mins: Double substitution for Morocco:
Boufal and Sabiri OFF; Amallah and Aboukhlal ON.
Canada also make a change: Osorio makes way for Laryea.
Canada 1-2 Morocco
63 mins: Canada’s domination continues here - they’re probing!
But Morocco holding firm and solid in their shape...
Canada 1-2 Morocco
61 mins: Triple substitution for Canada:
Kaye, Larin and Adekugbe OFF; Hutchinson, Kone and David ON.
Strange one given the momentum of the game at the moment, me thinks.
