In this World Cup recap, Morocco takes down one host nation and France squeezes past Paraguay and its “punk tactics”
One host down: Morocco paints Houston red and green in win over Canada
Patient and efficient play was the name of the game for Morocco, dispatching co-host nation Canada with ease in a 3-0 win in the final game played at Houston Stadium to send them to the quarterfinals.
The Canadiens started as the better team in the first half, as their attacking intent kept the Atlas Lions on their toes despite limited possession, finishing with four shots (two on target) in comparison to Morocco’s one shot.
But as Canada’s ambition (and eventual desperation) took hold, Morocco’s back line held firm, paving the way for devastating counterattacks. Azzedine Ounahi opened the scoring in the 50th minute with an edge-of-the-box strike that landed into the bottom corner from an Achraf Hakimi free kick, before doubling the lead in the 82nd minute off a fast break as the Canadiens were stretched looking for an equalizer.
And with the game all but over, Canada’s desperation for goals was punished once again with yet another counter-attack goal from the Atlas Lions in the 90+8th minute from substitute Soufiane Rahimi.
Morocco finished the game with five shots (four on target), the fewest by a winning team in a World Cup knockout match since records began in 1966, showing that sometimes, it’s all about picking your moments.
The Canadiens should be proud, as this is their best-ever World Cup finish, but unfortunately, their run comes to an end.
France pulls out gritty win against Paraguay
Paraguay did everything in its power to throw France off its game, but a Kylian Mbappé spot kick was enough to send Les Bleus to the quarterfinals with a 1-0 victory.
The game was a messy affair from the very first whistle. La Albirroja’s 5-4-1 low block caused problems for France’s vaunted attacking unit, denying them space to prevent quality chances from happening.
But even more than that, Paraguay used the “dark arts” to throw France off its rhythm, with its players hacking and slashing down players in blue kits at any given opportunity. La Albirroja ended the game with 13 fouls, but shockingly, none of the players were booked.
Paraguay were barely showing any attacking prowess as well, finishing the game with five shots off target and an expected goals (xG) of 0.13. They were destined to drag this out and possibly send the game to penalties, but that changed in the 68th minute when Desire Doué was fouled in the penalty box by Diego Gómez to give Les Bleus a penalty kick.
Despite La Albirroja doing everything to disrupt Mbappé’s preparation, including scuffing up the penalty spot, the Frenchman was unfazed and put his shot past goalkeeper Orlando Gill for the lead in the 70th minute. Now trailing, Paraguay needed to attack for an equalizer, but it was too little, too late.
France will now face Morocco in the quarterfinals in a rematch of the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinals, where Les Bleus won 2-0.
Delivered by Sean Paul
