Canada coach Marsch claims team was better despite 0-3 World Cup loss to Morocco

Despite a decisive 0-3 defeat to Morocco in the World Cup Round of 16, Canadian head coach Jesse Marsch declared his team was the superior side. "The opponents beat us, but they didn't outplay us," Marsch asserted, adding he would rather be in Canada's position than Morocco's.

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The opponents beat us, but they didn't outplay us. I would rather be in our place than theirs.

Marsch lauded his players' performance, especially in the first half, highlighting their attacking style and belief. "All eleven players in the first half played wonderfully. We were just unlucky not to take the lead, though we deserved it," he said. He attributed the loss to "small details" against a Moroccan team with "top-level footballers."

Morocco's coach Mohamed Ouahbi responded to Marsch's claims with skepticism. "Regarding intensity, Canada was indeed good. But were they better? It's hard to agree with that," Ouahbi stated, noting the significant margin of defeat. "You need a lot of courage to say that after losing 0-3. In the second half, we were better."

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All eleven players in the first half played wonderfully. We were just unlucky not to take the lead, though we deserved it.

Marsch also explained the absence of star player Alphonso Davies, who was recovering from a hamstring injury. Davies felt discomfort a few days prior, and the team opted not to risk him.

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Regarding intensity, Canada was indeed good. But were they better? It's hard to agree with that. You need a lot of courage to say that after losing 0-3. In the second half, we were better.