Morocco have become the second African country to advance to the round of 16 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The Atlas Lions have reached the knockout phase for the first time since 1986.
This comes after the North Africans got the better of Canada 2-1 to finish Group F with seven points, just two points ahead of the second-placed Croatia, who played out to a 0-0 draw with Belgium.
Goals from Chelsea man Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri were enough to earn Morocco all valuable three points. En-Nesyri’s goal was his 16th goal for the Moroccan side.
However, Morocco were caught sleeping at the back as Canada pulled one back after West Ham’s Nayef Aguerd diverted the ball into his own net.
Canada’s consolation goal was the 100th goal at this World Cup.
After that goal, Canada began to put so much pressure on Morocco, but the North Africans were strong enough to hold on to their lead in the second stanza until the final whistle blew.
As a result, Morocco will play the country that finishes second in Group E, most likely to be Germany or Spain.
This came as a surprise to many football fanatics as Morocco topped Group F over the 2018 finalists Croatia and the second-world-ranked nation, Belgium.
To put a cherry on top Morocco did win a match at the previous World Cup which was held in Russia and this milestone they have reached now is something that comes as a big achievement.
FANS REACT TO MOROCCO PROGRESSION IN THE WORLD CUP
One fan tweeted: “Morocco is the best team in Africa by beating Belgium and Canada and drawing with Croatia. That is something else.
Another follower said: “Morocco is a global team, honestly, I wish I was Moroccan at this moment.
One added: “They were massively underrated by everyone, I thought they had no chance, let alone finishing in the second position.”
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