Azzedine Ounahi scored a double before Soufiane Rahimi added a third to knock out World Cup co-hosts Canada and send Morocco into the last eight thanks to a 3-0 win in Houston.
The Atlas Lions now have the chance to reach back-to-back World Cup semi-finals by beating either France or Paraguay in the next round. In 2022, Morocco made history as they became the first African side to reach the quarter-finals of a World Cup.
In a game that saw more yellow cards (8) than shots on target (7), Canada looked the more likely to take the game in the early stages with Yassine Bounou the busier of the two goalkeepers. Morocco even lost their star striker, Ismael Saibari, who had to come off with an injury after just 22 minutes played.
Ounahi celebrates after scoring the opening goal for Morocco against Canada
However, Ounahi ensured they would not miss Bayern Munich’s latest recruit too much, slotting home after being teed up by Achraf Hakimi early in the second half. The Girona forward’s second was taken with the same composure as the first, finishing off a speedy counter, this time being set up by Brahim Diaz.
With Canada looking to keep their historic run going in the tournament, Rahimi ended another Morocco counter, firing past Maxime Crepeau.
Should France beat Paraguay in their last-16 meeting, Morocco will have the chance to avenge their semi-final defeat from Qatar in Boston on Thursday.
The key moments from Houston
6: CHANCE! Bounou denies Jonathan David from close range. The ball falls at a tight angle for the Canada forward in the area. He makes do to fling his left foot at it but Bounou makes himself big and makes the stop.
11: CHANCE! Bounou is called upon to make a big stop again! Neil El Aynaoui’s pass forward is lax and easily intercepted. The ball is fizzed into Tani Oluwaseyi, who improvises brilliantly with a beautiful turn to fool Redouane Halhal. He sets himself to shoot, but Bounou gets a foot to the ball.
21: Saibari is forced off with an injury and replaced by Soufiane Rahimi.
40: FLASHPOINT! Hakimi and Richie Laryea are both shown yellows after an initial push from the Moroccan off the ball turns into a brief scuffle involving team-mates.
45+7: YELLOW! Michael Oliver books his fourth Morocco player as Bilal El Khannouss’ name is taken. Six yellows are handed out before half-time.
50: GOAL! Ounahi fires in the opener, teed up by a Hakimi set-piece.
82: GOAL! Ounahi doubles his return and the lead, finishing off a counter-attack.
85: OFF THE BAR! So nearly a Morocco third! Rahimi header slams against the underside of the bar.
90+8: GOAL! Rahimi gets his goal, slotting home to seal the win.
Analysis: Take Morocco seriously
Ounahi celebrates with team-mates after scoring his second goal
Forget dark horses, forget underdogs – Morocco should now be considered among the powerhouses that are in with a realistic shout of winning the competition.
You may have sides that you believe are better prepared to handle the toils of the latter stages, but that does not mean we should not take the now back-to-back quarter-finalists seriously.
The Moroccans have shown they can win in different ways. Scoring early and holding on against Scotland before winning a battle of attrition against Haiti. Those wins were before they fought back against Netherlands and took them to penalties.
Morocco have been among the sides that are performing at a consistent level, no matter the location or climate. Sterner tests await, but, on current evidence, Morocco appear capable of handling just about anything the World Cup has thrown at them.
Ouahbi: We reacted well in second half
Morocco boss Mohamed Ouahbi:
“It is a World Cup match and these are difficult games with teams playing for their lives. We reacted very well in the second half in the second balls and the duels.
“I have to recognise that Canada were impressive – they played a top match. It was no surprise for us, but in the second half we were able to profit from the space they left us and that was the key.”
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