Hosts Canada will try to clear the Morocco hurdle

In the World Cup Round of 16, hosts Canada face Morocco. The winner of the contest, to be played at the NRG Stadium in Houston, will book a place in the quarterfinals. Seen as the toughest test of the host nation's history-making run at the tournament, this match carries great importance for both teams.

Canada, who have experienced many firsts at the tournament, took a point for the first time, secured a win for the first time and managed to get past a round for the first time. The host side, who eliminated South Africa in the Round of 32, gained confidence with that win. However, according to reports, Canada will be tested in this round against the strongest opponent they have faced so far in the tournament.

Morocco, shown as the favorite of the contest, stand out with a squad that reached the semifinals at the 2022 World Cup. At this tournament, Morocco drew with Brazil in their opening match, then eliminated the Netherlands on penalties; they also beat Scotland and Haiti. In a side ranked high in the world, Ismael Saibari, who has scored three goals at the tournament, stands out, while names such as Brahim Díaz and Bilal El Khannouss also create danger in attack.

On the Canada side, it is stated that star player Alphonso Davies may again start on the bench due to fitness issues. Stephen Eustáquio, who scored in the Round of 32, is expected to be in the starting XI. How Canada, who want to use their home advantage, will play against their strong opponent is a matter of curiosity. The winner of this match will face the winner of the France-Paraguay tie in the quarterfinals.

Image: Sports Illustrated

🇨🇦 Canada (Marsch) — probable XI, 4-4-2: Crépeau; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea; Buchanan, Saliba, Eustáquio, Millar; Oluwaseyi, J. David.
🇲🇦 Morocco (Ouahbi) — probable XI, 4-2-3-1: Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; Bouaddi, El Aynaoui; Díaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Saibari.