Morocco down co-hosts Canada 3-0 to reach World Cup quarter-finals

Morocco advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals with a decisive 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada on Saturday in Houston. The win sets up a clash with either France or Paraguay in the next round.

After a first half marked by few scoring opportunities and several yellow cards, Morocco broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half. Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi found the back of the net with a first-time finish from a free-kick. Canada's goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau had his view obstructed by two defenders, and the ball also went through Rahimi's legs.

Canada, who had reached the last 16 for the first time in their history, pushed for an equalizer. However, Ounahi extended Morocco's lead in the 82nd minute with another breakaway goal. Substitute Soufiane Rahimi sealed the victory with the final kick of the match in the 98th minute.

The match, played in front of 68,777 spectators, saw Morocco, the 2022 semi-finalists, overcome a more confident start from Canada. Despite Canada's early pressure, including a sharp turn and shot from Tani Oluwaseyi that forced a save from goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, they failed to capitalize on their opportunities. Morocco also suffered an early blow with the injury to Bayern Munich-bound Ismael Saibari, who had scored three goals in the tournament.