Surprise Package Morocco Are Not To Be Underestimated As They Win Group F

Morocco beat Canada 2-1 to win Group F
16:54, 01 Dec 2022

No one would have predicted this heading into the World Cup but Morocco have qualified for the knockout stage as Group F winners, coming out on top against the likes of 2018 runners-up Croatia and the former Fifa-ranked number one team Belgium.

The truth is the Atlas Lions have shone the brightest in this group when the two European sides were supposed to make light work of progression to the last 16. Morocco have been compact and organised in defence and have shown moments of quality in attack too. We saw it in their monumental victory against the Red Devils and once again in their triumph over Canada to top the group. This is the second time Morocco have reached the knockout stage and their first since 1986.

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They have fully merited their place in the last 16. Morocco have been one of the most impressive sides of the tournament so far and like they did against Belgium, they could upset one or two in the knockout stage. As a defensive unit they are structured and disciplined, and with just one goal conceded thus far, they’re a tough nut to crack. Canada were the first side to test them defensively but Morocco mainly came away unscathed. They were thankful when Atiba Hutchinson’s header off the bar didn’t cross the line to give Canada an equaliser which they perhaps could’ve deserved for their revitalisation in the second half.

While they haven’t been the  most free-scoring of sides in Qatar, they boast an interesting trident in attack with Hakim Ziyech, Youssef En-Nesyri and Sofiane Boufal all looking bright for the Atlas Lions in their first three matches.

Ziyech looks a completely different player when he is in a Morocco shirt compared to when he features for Chelsea. We’ve not been able to see such positive displays from the winger since his Ajax days. His sublime chipped goal inside the opening stages to capitalise on a heavy touch from goalkeeper Milan Borjan reflected how much confidence he has with the ball when he isn’t at Chelsea. It might even indicate that he hasn’t been used correctly by any of the three managers he has served at Stamford Bridge. As they say form is temporary, class is permanent.

However, it wasn’t so long ago that  things weren’t ticking for Ziyech with his national team. He fell out with former boss Vahid Halilhodzic but has been a player reborn since Walid Regragui took over the reins in September - maybe Graham Potter should give him a ring after the tournament to know his secret.

He further conjured up some magic with some deft touches to smoothly take down high balls and he would then set the Atlas Lions away. 

Youssef En-Nesyri became the first Moroccan player in history to score in two separate World Cups with his thumping strike to double Morocco’s lead. He showed his pace, physicality and skill to take down a ball from Achraf Hakimi over-the-top, barge his way through two defenders to go on and finish brilliantly.

The Atlas Lions have shown throughout the group stage that their front three could be a powerful force once they get ticking with Ziyech, En-Nesyri and Sofiane Boufal. Against Canada, they appeared to have found their rhythm. 

Ex-Southampton wide man Boufal gained all the plaudits for his contributions in their victory over Belgium in matchday two. His dazzling runs from midfield can cause problems for any defence, you only have to remember his magnificent solo run goal against West Bromwich Albion back in his Saints days. Rumour has it he inspired Son Heung-min for his similar goal against Burnley.

With Canada already out, they had nothing to fight for except pride against Morocco. They offered very little apart from a couple of attacks. One of them earned them a consolation which turned out to be the 100th of the tournament. Tajon Buchanan’s low cross wasn’t successfully cut out by Nayef Aguerd and his touch meant goalkeeper Bono couldn’t keep it out of his net. It was the first goal Morocco had conceded at the World Cup but also their first since Regragui took charge. It was disappointing but it didn’t take much away from the beautiful day that they were having.

Despite Canada putting up more of a fight in the second half, Morocco held on for the three points to cap off a superb group stage campaign. They are certainly a team not to be underestimated in the next stage of the tournament.

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