The World Cup Round of 16 has kicked off, with co-host Canada facing Morocco in the first last-16 clash. Morocco is one of the dark horses for the competition, having built on its magical World Cup run nearly four years ago in Qatar.
Canada’s Historic Run
Canada has made history by advancing to the knockout rounds for the first time. The team is well and truly in uncharted territory and will enter this game feeling it has nothing to lose.
Canada’s historic World Cup run continued into the round of 32, as Stephen Eustáquio’s stunning 92nd-minute strike from the edge of the box secured a last-gasp 1-0 victory over South Africa and a maiden round of 16 berth.
Morocco’s Chances
Morocco would have expected to be here, having been a 2022 World Cup semifinalist. The Atlas Lions impressed in their opening 1-1 draw against Brazil and finished as Group C runner-up behind the five-time champion on goal difference.
Morocco has already gone toe-to-toe with Brazil in the group stages and triumphed over the Netherlands in the Round of 32. A win against Canada could set up a potential clash with France in the quarterfinals.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
