Canada need to keep focus against dangerous Morocco, coach Marsch says

Canada's coach Jesse Marsch has urged his team to remain focused and aggressive when they face a highly-rated Morocco in the World Cup round of 16 on Saturday. Marsch described the African side as having "zero weaknesses," emphasizing the threat posed by their mobile and fluid midfield, which can exploit any lapse in concentration from the Canadian players.

“

This is where we expect to be and this is where we want to be, and we know that Morocco is going to challenge every single thing we do and this is a team that has literally zero weaknesses.

"We have to try to be good at the things that we care about and that we are good at, and we have to see if that can hold up against an opponent like this," Marsch stated. He acknowledged that Morocco will challenge every aspect of Canada's game, underscoring the importance of sticking to the team's plan.

“

We have to try to be good at the things that we care about and that we are good at, and we have to see if that can hold up against an opponent like this.

Marsch downplayed any notion of seeking revenge for Canada's 2-1 group stage defeat to Morocco in the 2022 World Cup. "This is a different time. They're a different team. We're a different team. This is a very different moment," he said, shifting the focus to the current challenge and the desire to perform at their best.

“

There's not a ton of motivation for anyone in our camp to say that we lost last World Cup to Morocco and now we need to right that wrong.

The coach also confirmed that talisman Alphonso Davies, who made his first appearance as a substitute in the previous match, will be available. Marsch expects his players to deliver their best performance of the tournament, recognizing the significance of the occasion.

“

This is a different time. They're a different team. We're a different team. This is a very different moment and we just want to do everything we can to find a way to get the result.