Morocco Player Ratings: Hakimi, En-Nesyri and Ziyech impress against Canada - World Cup Update
Morocco Player Ratings: Hakimi, En-Nesyri and Ziyech impress against Canada - World Cup Update
Chelsea winger Ziyech was at the centre of everything good going forward for the North Africans as they survived a second half onslaught from Canada.
Hakim Ziyech played a starring role against Canada as Morocco became the second African country to book their place in the knockout round of the 2022 World Cup.
Ziyech opened the scoring for the Atlas Lions and was at the centre of most attacks for the North Africans as they sealed a ticket to the round of 16 for the second time, having last achieved the feat in 1986.
There were also impressive performances from striker Youssef En-Nesyri who scored Morocco's second goal as well as captain Romain Saiss who was resolute in defence.
Yassine Bounou 7/10
Returning to the side after a last-minute withdrawal against Belgium, the Sevilla goalkeeper had little to do in the first half. Then Canada had plenty of possession in the second stanza. Bounou could do little to stop Canada's goal from a Sam Adekugbe shot, an Nayef Aguerd own goal, but his positioning at the near post as the ball came in could have been better. He nearly gifted Canada an equaliser with three minutes remaining after failing to tightly hold onto the ball.
GettyAchraf Hakimi 8/10
Doubtful before the game having missed training on Thursday, the Paris Saint-Germain full-back was good going forward.
Hakimi constantly bombed forward to act as another attacking outlet and it was from his pin-point long pass that Youssef En-Nesyri scored Morocco's second goal.
His forays higher up the pitch, however, left gaps that allowed Canada to close in on goal with Alphonso Davies getting opportunities to bring in crosses. He was beaten by Adekugbe before the Canada full-back got into plenty of space to slot in his team's lone goal.
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