Morocco beat Canada 2-1 at the Al Thumama Stadium today to advance to the round of 16 of the Qatar 2022 World Cup as Group F winners.
In the other final Group F game, Belgium were eliminated after a 0-0 draw with Croatia at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, with Romelu Lukaku missing a hatful of golden opportunities.
Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri scored in the first half to give Morocco a 2-0 lead by the 23rd minute but a Nayef Aguerd own goal, the first own goal of the tournament and the first goal conceded by Morocco in Qatar, put Canada back in the frame with five minutes left in the half.
Morocco held on to win and topped the group’s standings with seven points and became the second African team to reach the round of 16 in Qatar after Senegal.
It is only the second time in World Cup history that more than one African team have progressed beyond the group phase at one single tournament.
The first time was at Brazil 2014 when Nigeria and Algeria advanced to the knockout rounds.
As Morocco were celebrating their second-ever progress beyond the group stages, Belgium were in agony as they came close on several occasions to get the goal that would have sent them through.
Belgium’s best chances fell to substitute Lukaku as they chased the all-important goal but the Inter Milan striker, who is not fully fit, missed them all.
He headed straight at the Croatia goalkeeper from close range, hit the crossbar with another header and completely missed an open net on two separate occasions, leaving his teammates holding their heads in disbelief.
Croatia had opportunities of their own but they were satisfied with the draw, as they finished second with five points.
Morocco will face the runners-up of Group E in the round of 16, while Croatia will battle the group winners.
Group E will be decided tonight, with Spain, Germany, Japan and Costa Rica a in the running for the top two spots.
