Morocco in knockout phase for first time

MOROCCO advanced to the last 16 of the World Cup after closing out a 2-1 win over Canada at the Al Thumama Stadium to finish top of Group F.

Canada, who had already been eliminated, fell behind early on thanks to a major error by goalkeeper Milan Borjan to gift Hakim Ziyech the opener.

Youssef En-Nesyri thumped past Borjan to extend their first-half advantage, but Morocco allowed Canada to stay in it when Nayef Aguerd deflected in an own goal before the break. The Atlas Lions are into the knockout stages for the first time in 36 years.

Morocco needed a win or a draw to reach the last 16, while Canada had already been knocked out following losses to Belgium and Croatia. Their afternoon got off to a catastrophic start when Steven Vitoria mis-hit a backpass and goalkeeper Borjan rushed out of the area. He initially took possession but then gifted Morocco the opener when he failed to clear and rolled the ball to Ziyech, who calmly chipped Borjan to score.