Morocco 3-0 Canada: Atlas Lions eliminate hosts and reach quarter-finals

The Round of 16 kicked off and the first hosts fell. Morocco thrashed Canada 3-0 in Houston and marched into the quarters with authority. The Lions of Atlas, one of the tournament's great surprises, put on a professional display against a Canada side that came to fight.

The match. Canada came out fearless and dominated the first half, but ran into Morocco's brick wall and Bounou in goal. After the break, Morocco showed their teeth: Azzedine Ounahi broke the seal with a set-piece finish and, shortly after, grabbed his second from a breakaway sparked by Brahim Díaz. Deep into stoppage time (90+7), Soufiane Rahimi sealed the rout with another lethal counter-attack.

The first hosts sent packing. With three host nations (USA, Mexico and Canada), one had to be the first to pack their bags… and it was Canada's turn, leaving with their heads held high after an exciting World Cup. Hakimi wasn't at his sharpest, but Morocco controlled the tempo like a truly elite side.

What's next. Morocco will play their quarter-final on July 9th in Boston, against the winner of Paraguay-France. The Africans, who came agonisingly close to glory in Qatar 2022, are dreaming big again… and they've got every reason to.

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