December 1, 2022, 3:14 PM
December 1, 2022, 3:14 PM
Morocco has starred in one of the great surprises in the World Cup in Qatar 2022.
The African team won the qualification to the round of 16 of a World Cup as leader of Group F after defeating Canada 2-1 on Thursday.
It is the first time that the Lions have passed the group stage in a World Cup since the 1986 World Cup.
The duel was played at the same time as the Croatia–Belgiumwith the Belgians fighting for qualification with the Moroccans.
But the Red Devils drew 0-0 against the Croats and with it another surprise was consummated: the number 2 selection in the FIFA ranking was eliminated.
On the biggest stages, his “golden generation” hasn’t lived up to the hype.
Two goals to remember
In Canada’s duel against Morocco, the Americans gave their rival a gift in the 4th minute.
Goalkeeper Milan Borjan came out of the big area to try to clear a ball, but he handed the ball to the Moroccan Hakim Ziyechwho only had to raise the ball to score before an empty goal.
Morocco’s illusions continued on high with a great goal at minute 23: Youssef En-Nesyri He launched himself at full speed on the left and with a forceful shot he surpassed Borjan.
Then came a goal against: the Canadian Alfonso Davis drove the ball down the left and after launching a cross, the defender Nayef Aguerd he deflected the ball into his own goal.
Canada came very close to equalizing on 70′, with a header hitting the crossbar and then a counter shot that went wide.
The stands of the Al Thumama Stadium roared for the Lions who were making history.
A gray Belgium leaves
In the other match played simultaneously, Belgium did not show the necessary football to qualify for the round of 16.
Despite controlling the ball throughout the 90 minutes, he was only able to finish off the goal on a few occasions. The closest they got was with a shot from Romelu Lukaku who crashed into the post at minute 59.
Needing only one goal, the Red Devils dedicated themselves to launching crosses that did not create much danger for the Croatian goalkeeper.
At the edge of 90 minutes, Lukaku lost a solo shot in front of the arch
A last one in the six-yard box was miraculously saved by defender Josko Gvardiol before Lukako could finish off.
The team ranked by FIFA as the second best in the world was left out of Qatar 2022.
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