By Ahmed Ahmed
In Doha
The Atlas Lions of Morocco have stormed the round of 16 at the on-going FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
Morocco became the second African team to enter the knock out stage after Senegal that qualified few days ago.
The Morocco team beat Canada 2-1 in their last Group F match played at the Al Thumama Stadium on Thursday evening. England based Hakim Ziyech opened the scoring for Morocco after only four minutes, and Youssef En-Nesyri made it 2-0 after 23 minutes.
Canada pulled a goal back after 40 minutes with an own goal netted by defender Nayef Aguerd. In the second half the two teams pushed forward, but there were no more goals.
The win sends Morocco top of Group F since the second match between Croatia and Belgium ended goalless. In their opening match Morocco drew goalless with Croatia and stopped giants Belgium 2-0.
It is the first time for over 30 years that Morocco reach the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup. Morocco will now wait to face the team that finishes second in Group E that could either be Spain, Japan, Coast Rica or Germany.
On Wednesday Tunisia shocked France 1-0 in a Group D match, but still bowed out of the tournament.
The other round of 16 matches that are now set will see Netherlands face USA, while Argentina will take on Australia. The reigning champions France will face Poland, while England take on African champions Senegal.
