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As heartbreaking as it was for Team Canada to not get a point against Switzerland in its last group stage match, it may have worked out OK. At least so far.
Yes, it sucks that Canada didn’t get to play another match in front of the home crowd in Vancouver (and we’ll be watching Switzerland take on Algeria instead), Les Rouges instead found itself in a matchup against South Africa in which they were favoured. And despite a very intense and tight game, Canada did end up taking the victory 1-0.
Now, they’ll again face what many might deem a less opponent than they could have drawn, as they’ll face Morocco in the Round of 16 after the latter’s upset of the Netherlands on Monday night.
Netherlands and Morocco played a tight game that ended in penalty kicks after both teams tied 1-1 after 120 minutes of play. Maybe surprisingly, based on the odds, Morocco more than held its own against the Netherlands, garnering more shots and holding the bulk of possession. Morocco has been solid throughout the tournament, drawing with Brazil in its opening game and not losing since.
It will be a very tough matchup for Canada. Morocco will definitely be favoured, though the margin shouldn’t be huge. If Canada can get Alphonso Davies to play close to a full game, and if it continues to get major contirbutions from the likes of Stephen Eustáquio and Tajon Buchanan, anything can happen.
Morocco is a team that relies on quick pace and getting a lot of shots in. Forward Soufiane Rahimi and midfielders Ismael Salibari and Neil El Aynaoui are key to the team’s attack. Canada’s weak spot is arguably its defence (especially without Davies playing back there) and that’s going to be a problem against the Atlas Lions (yes, that’s Morocco’s incredible nickname).
Canada also likes to push the pace on the wings though, with Buchanan and Liam Millar moving the ball up the side quickly and putitng it into play for Jonathan David, Tani Oluwaseyi, and Promise David to get their feet on. Having Moise Bombito back on defence for Canada will help. Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau will also have to have a big game in order to quell Morocco’s attack. Morocco are the sixth-ranked side as of FIFA’s latest rankings, while Canada sits in 30th place. So yeah… not going to be easy. Hopefully Jesse Marsch’s squad is up for it.
Canada will play Morocco on July 4 in Houston in the Round of 16.