World Cup

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World Cup | Group Stage

Dec 1, 2022 at 3pm UK

BMO Field

Canada
1 - 2
Morocco

Aguerd (40' og.)
Hoilett (7'), Osorio (26'), Adekugbe (45+2'), Vitoria (84')

FT(HT: 1-2)

Ziyech (4'), En-Nesyri (23')

Morocco boss Walid Regragui wary of Canada quality

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 30 November 2022

Morocco boss Regragui wary of Canada quality

Morocco boss Walid Regragui admits that he is wary of the quality that Canada possess as his side attempt to qualify for the World Cup last 16.

Walid Regragui has insisted that his Morocco side will push for all three points in their Group F fixture against Canada.

Morocco and the Maple Leafs had been regarded as the minnows of a group which also included 2018 runners-up Croatia and the world's second-best team Belgium.

However, while Canada have already been eliminated despite two solid performances, Morocco are on the brink of reaching the last 16 for just the second time in their history.

After starting their campaign with a goalless draw with Croatia, the Atlas Lions produced arguably their best performance at a World Cup to record a 2-0 victory over Belgium on Sunday.

While a win may prove enough to progress as group winners, Morocco are aware that avoiding defeat to Canada will guarantee their place in the knockout stages.

Having kept clean sheets in two matches against superior opposition, the African nation are the clear favourites to defeat a country that have lost each of their five matches in the competition.

Morocco celebrate scoring against Belgium at the World Cup on November 27, 2022. © Reuters

Nevertheless, Regragui has stated that he expects his players to do everything possible to collect maximum points, wary of Canada potentially performing better with less pressure on their shoulders.

Speaking at a press conference, Regragui told reporters: "We know that we are coming up against a team which has got nothing to lose as they are already eliminated and will be out to hold their heads up high.

"If we are looking for a draw that would be a mistake. We are motivated and preparing for a difficult game."

Morocco have only played Canada on three previous occasions, those games in question taking place between 1984 and 2016 with Morocco never suffering a defeat.

However, they have also lost each of their four games at a World Cup when they have played non-European opposition.