Although they can’t advance further in the tournament, Canada hopes to make history by earning its first-ever victory at a FIFA World Cup against the Atlas Lions in group F.
As they prepare for their final game of the group, we take a look at the stakes and how Morocco and Canada can set up in a clash that will ultimately decide the fate of the North Africans.
After a fine victory against Belgium in their last game, it would be logical to assume that Morocco will not make major changes to their formation.
Now second in Group F, the North African outfit are level on points with Croatia and could secure their place in the Round of 16 with a win over Canada.
Indeed, depending on the results between Belgium and Croatia, they could even secure a top spot that would allow them to avoid a confrontation against Spain in the next round. For the records, Achraf Hakimi came off in the second half against Belgium, but however, it is understood that he won’t be absent for the clash with Canada.
That also seems to be the case with Noussair Mazraoui, after the left-back overcame the injury scare he suffered in the opener against Croatia.
As for Canada, they will go into their third World Cup game knowing it will be their last, after two defeats which in turn left them with zero points.
Junior Hoilett will be keen to return to the line-up after being dropped against Belgium, while Jonathan David is hoping to finally show what he is capable of after a rather disappointing tournament. Once again, all eyes will be on Canadian star and Bayern Munich player Alphonso Davies, who has so far scored his country’s only goal in Qatar. Davies will once again have to lead the way if Canada is to derive anything positive from a group stage that saw them impress, but failed to pick crucial victories.
Here’s a look at the series history between the two teams as they prepare for what will be a 4th meeting between them:
Predicted starting 11 for Canada: Borjan; Johnston, Vitoria, Miller; Laryea, Koné, Eustaquio, Davies; Buchanan, Hoilett, David
Predicted 11 Morocco: Bounou; Hakimi, Aguerd, Saiss, Mazraoui; Amrabat, Ounahi, Amallah; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal
The game will be played at 4 pm at the Al Thumama Stadium.
