The Moroccan national team qualified for the round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 36 years, by defeating Canada 2-1, to top Group F at the expense of Croatia at Al-Thumama Stadium in Doha on Thursday.
Morocco became the only Arab representative in the Qatar finals, following the early exit of the country, the owner of the land, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.
Morocco raised its score to seven points from two wins and a draw, compared to five points for Croatia, who tied with Belgium at the same time without goals.
Belgium, ranked second in the world and ranked third in the 2018 edition, left the competition four points early, while Canada, bottom of the standings, suffered three defeats.
A draw was enough for the sons of coach Walid Rekraki to qualify, and they quickly settled the task by scoring two goals in the first 23 minutes through Hakim Ziyech and Youssef Al-Nusairi.
Morocco conceded a goal by mistake, scored by defender Nayef Akrad, once morest fellow goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, five minutes before the end of the first half.
