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00:06Please remain standing if you are able for the playing of the national anthem of Morocco.
01:33Yo, Dane.
01:34Yo, JD.
01:34You see my text?
01:35They haven't lost.
01:36These guys are unbelievable.
01:38They haven't lost?
01:39Since 96.
01:54I haven't lost yet.
02:02Canada coach Jesse Marsh said the message to his players has been clear this week.
02:07Don't be burdened by thoughts of what if this doesn't go well play free and show
02:14the world who this Canadian team is. Yeah just play a football match it's so hard
02:18to say when you're at this stage and you understand it's the biggest game of
02:22your life but at the end of the day you've got to go there and you've got to
02:26deliver on what your role is within the team and so I agree Jesse Marsh is going
02:31to try and take the pressure off his boys and allow them to play free and to play
02:35to the fullest potential and if they do that they'll be right in this game even
02:40against a side as good as Morocco. The referee is Michael Oliver the 41 year old
02:44from England it is his second World Cup his sixth career World Cup game he's taken
02:50charge of three games in this tournament already including the Netherlands 5-1
02:53win against Sweden here in this stadium and the 4-1 win for France against
02:58Norway to end the group stage in Boston. He's refereed at the Euros twice and a
03:03two-time FA Cup final referee in England as well. The VAR also referees in
03:13England, Jared Gillett the man at the controls today.
03:24And so for Canada, Jesse Marsh today makes three changes from the 11 that started against South Africa in the
03:30round of 32. In comes
03:32Luc de Fougerol for Derek Cornelius at the back, Nico Segur into midfield for Nathan Saliba and on the left
03:38Ali Ahmed replacing Liam Miller.
03:40Yeah, I would say we were expecting the Ali Ahmed one to come in from the start, the other ones
03:44maybe a little bit of a shot. Nico Segur came on to that game in Los Angeles, did pretty well
03:50in the
03:50mid-left part. I think he's going to be a good partner for Estaco sitting in there just being really
03:55solid and the Fougerol's had a great tournament who's a bit unfortunate to be dropped in the last game.
04:00It's the one change from Morocco's lineup that started against the Netherlands, Halal in at the back for Riyadh.
04:06Yeah, Halal comes in because of an injury to Riyadh. He is listed as a substitute, but he did leave
04:11that game against the Netherlands with what looked like an injury.
04:15So I assume that's injury related. Otherwise, it's sort of full strength for Morocco, a solid side, really good in
04:21the middle of the park with Bouhadi and Ainawi, two players that I really enjoyed playing.
04:26When Nahi will float around and try and be that support for Souk. Saibari, who is not a conventional number
04:32nine, will play in different areas, but quality all over for Morocco.
04:39Ismail Saibari starts up top for Morocco, having scored in all three group stage games, and he is just about
04:46to become a teammate of Alphonso Davies at Bayern Munich as he makes the move from PSV Eindhoven.
04:58A World Cup matchup, of course, that has been seen before.
05:04Four all-time meetings at the senior level, and Morocco 1-2-1 in the final group game in Qatar.
05:12Morocco, two up inside, 23 minutes before an own goal just before half-time, created by Sam Adekoubi, pulled one
05:19back, and who can forget, Atiba Hutchinson hitting the crossbar, going so close to tying it at 2-2.
05:27It is, without doubt, Canada's biggest test so far, against a team firmly established in the world's top ten, and
05:35no stranger to big occasions.
05:38Canada standing 90 minutes from a World Cup quarterfinal, and this tournament has already shown us nothing can be taken
05:45for granted.
05:45We've seen that the underdog can triumph, but whatever the outcome today, one thing is absolutely certain.
05:53The beautiful game in Canada will never be the same again.
05:57Here in Houston, on the 4th of July, the round of 16 tie is underway, and Canada once again in
06:05the black jerseys that they wore when they had the big win against Qatar.
06:12And of course, the victory last week.
06:16A bit of a false start at the beginning of the game, just to kill the anticipation.
06:22I think Canadian players moved into the Moroccan half a little bit early.
06:29So what needs to happen today for Canada to advance to a World Cup quarterfinal, Stevie?
06:34Well, they get to play the best game that they've ever played on the men's side for the national team.
06:39Everybody has to be absolutely at their best.
06:42Things will need to go for them.
06:43They'll need a little bit of luck, but they'll need to make sure, first and foremost, they stay in the
06:47game early.
06:48They get up to the speed of play, and they just build into this match.
06:53The longer this match goes, where Canada are in it, I do feel it gives them a stronger chance to
06:59progress to the quarterfinals.
07:00Two players start today from the 11 against Morocco in Qatar.
07:05Alistair Johnston and Tejon Buchanan both played 90 minutes in that World Cup game.
07:09Larea and David made substitute appearances.
07:15And five players start today that started Canada's last game in this stadium.
07:19A 2021 Gold Cup semi-final loss against Mexico.
07:22It finished 2-1.
07:24Crepeau was in goal.
07:25Johnston, Larea, Buchanan, and Eustachio played.
07:28And you were on the sidelines on that day.
07:30Yeah, I was on the sidelines, and it was a tremendous evening where the men's national team played extremely well.
07:37And unfortunately, that late goal cost the Gold Cup final appearance, but same similar kind of performance in terms of
07:45intensity and aggression will be needed tonight against a worthy opponent in Morocco.
07:51Canada with the free kick.
07:53Almost two minutes in here.
07:57Morocco side that was ranked eighth coming into the tournament.
08:01Their highest ever ranking, and they continue to keep climbing in FIFA's live rankings.
08:09Back it goes towards Maxime Crepeau, who gets the start once again today.
08:13He's eighth in a row, which is an ongoing new career high for Crepeau in goal for Canada.
08:20And out of play here for a throw down the left side that Masraoui will look to take.
08:25His 50th appearance for Morocco today, the Manchester United left back.
08:28Jesse Marsh hulks with Seguet alongside Eustachio in the midfield.
08:32They can maybe give Morocco a bit of a scrap in that.
08:36Yeah, I think so.
08:36They're going to have to battle away with Buade right now.
08:39We have two excellent players, as we said, through the line-up.
08:42So, you can see here, not too much of a press from Canada.
08:46That mid-block we talked about that had success, especially in the second half against South Africa.
08:53Just pick and choose your moments to maybe press certain players.
08:57I do like that tactic from Jesse Marsh this afternoon.
09:01Yassim Bono in goal.
09:02The 35-year-old who was born in Montreal and moved to Morocco at the age of three.
09:08Free kick given on the near side here.
09:10Michael Oliver, a vastly experienced official.
09:13The man in charge for this one today.
09:16It's a foul.
09:19Unahi just getting the better of Buchanan.
09:22He's the one from Morocco that floats around.
09:25Unahi will pick up wider areas.
09:27He'll be in support of Saabari.
09:30He's the free attacking midfielder in this team.
09:34It's a Deops ball out wide to the right.
09:36It's a Deops scoring against the Netherlands.
09:39His first World Cup goal.
09:4429-year-old who plays for Fulham.
09:48Out towards Halal, who has come in for the Crystal Palace man Riyad today.
09:52Down the left side, Ainawi.
09:54One back by Alistair Johnston.
09:56Johnston into the middle.
09:57It's a chance for Stephanie Stachio to pick it up here.
10:00Linking up with Oliver Shea there.
10:01Wide to the left it goes for Richie Larea.
10:04Brahim Diaz going across to close down.
10:06Larea manages to get by Hakimi as well.
10:09Richie Larea at the byline with that ball back in.
10:12And all eyes on the referee.
10:14Who gives the corner the first of the game.
10:16Really good move from Canada.
10:17The way that they trapped Unahi on the side.
10:20Won the ball back and then recognised the space.
10:22Was in the opposite flank.
10:24Larea got a second bite of the cherry.
10:27Riyad wins the corner off Diaz.
10:30Ustakio is out there.
10:32Not of early opportunity for Canada to show their set piece Perez.
10:39Stephanie Ustakio last week scoring his fifth goal for his country.
10:45This is Ustakio's 61st appearance for Canada.
10:49De Fugerole and Bambito both forward from the back.
10:51Just by the penalty spot here.
10:53Waiting for this delivery.
10:54The eye of Michael Oliver is on those two defenders.
10:56It's whipped into the front post.
10:58Bono punches away.
11:04Ali Ahmed.
11:05The former Whitecaps man.
11:06In for De Fugerole who nods it down.
11:08It's Jonathan David.
11:09And Bono comes up with a stop.
11:11It's behind for another corner.
11:13And this is a front foot start from Canada.
11:15Excellent.
11:15Lovely little header from De Fugerole.
11:19David's going to get on to it quicker though.
11:21He lets it skip off the turf.
11:24Could he have threw his head at that?
11:25I thought a diving header was the best way to go at that.
11:29Meet it early as it skips off the turf.
11:31It ends up going a little wide.
11:34And Bono does well to get a hand to it as he's flashing it across.
11:37But that was a bigger opportunity maybe than Jonathan David and Canada made of it.
11:47Eustachio here with Canada's second corner of the game.
11:53Good distance on the header away there as it's picked up by Nico Sergut.
11:59And Tejon Buchanan was trying to reach it.
12:01It's gone out for a third corner in quick succession here.
12:04It's good stuff.
12:05I like Nico Sergut's decision here just to put it back in behind.
12:11Halao comes over.
12:12Makes a sliding challenge.
12:14Buchanan was getting on to it.
12:16Eustachio now comes over to the near side to put in an inswinger.
12:20Outswinger, sorry.
12:21His first two deliveries have really caused some problems.
12:24They've been dealt with the first.
12:25The other one cleared as well.
12:27But excellent set-piece deliveries from the man from Leamington, Ontario.
12:32Lots of pace on them, nice and flat.
12:34He'll need the same again here with this outswinger probably
12:37heading round about the penalty spot.
12:40It's time towards Dufusrol at the front post.
12:43Buch Dufusrol still in there.
12:45Jonathan David trying to get there.
12:46Bono punches away.
12:47Drops down for Ali Ahmed.
12:49Now Eustachio in space.
12:50A chance to roll it forward for Luc Dufusrol.
12:54Dufusrol double-teamed there.
12:55And as Raui was back defending, so was Hainawi.
12:59But Canada able to keep the pressure on here.
13:01And Skripal will look to get it back forward for Larea.
13:03I love this start.
13:04Excellent decision-making by the Canadian players.
13:07Just a bit slow there.
13:09What a header from Johnson.
13:10Huge header.
13:11And the referee allowing play to continue here.
13:15Segura in the battle there in the midfield.
13:18Along with Bouhadi, the Lille man.
13:22And referee Michael Oliver will now halt it.
13:24It should be stopped.
13:26Morocco should put it out as the head knock to.
13:30And Azzedine, Unahi.
13:32It was a full, bloody challenge from Alistair Johnson.
13:35But it was a fair one.
13:37He comes off the worst.
13:39Unahi nearly comes through.
13:41Catches a bit of Unahi.
13:44This is a corner from Ostakio that's in at that near post.
13:48Bono punches clear.
13:52We know you're going to get that full-blooded commitment from Alistair Johnston at every moment of every game.
13:57Talking with Jesse Marsh last night, he said that Alistair Johnston has, in his opinion, been the best player through
14:02this tournament.
14:03I agree.
14:03Poor Canada.
14:12Halal, just a fifth cap for him in his first World Cup.
14:15A second start of the tournament.
14:19Morocco made some changes for their final group game.
14:24And Halal started that one.
14:27It was a 1-1 draw after extra time for Morocco against the Netherlands.
14:32They then went and won on the penalty shootout.
14:34Cody Gakpo had given the Netherlands a 72nd minute.
14:37Morocco were almost out.
14:38Issa Diop scoring in stoppage time at the end of the 90 to send the game into extra time.
14:45That after Morocco had finished with seven points in the group.
14:49They'd drawn Brazil in their opener.
14:51They beat Scotland in Boston and then 4-2 against a CONCACAF opponent in Haiti.
14:58Trailed twice in that game against Haiti.
15:00It was 2-2 at halftime.
15:023-2 at halftime.
15:08El Canoos was chasing forward, but Krepoken clear towards halfway.
15:11Maserawi underneath it.
15:12Jonathan David up there with the challenge and brings it down.
15:173 goals in the World Cup for David.
15:19That hat-trick against Qatar.
15:20He sends Oluwashay chasing.
15:22Oluwashay shoulder to shoulder with Diop.
15:25Oluwashay wants the corner.
15:26And a free kick has been given here.
15:28I like it though, Oluwashay not allowing Issa Diop just to let it run out of the field.
15:34Hounds him down all the way.
15:35And there's a little bit of a shove.
15:38Does it even come off?
15:39I'm not sure it does.
15:40But I like that chasing and the directness of Canada to try and play him behind to Tani Oluwashay's pace.
15:52Johnston brings it down, but Saibari was close by.
15:55Now Buchanan can pick this one up against El Canoos.
16:01Maserawi all the way back to Bono.
16:04And a free kick given here.
16:06But this is okay from, yeah, Canada here.
16:09It's not bad, yeah.
16:10Morocco are trying to keep the tempo high.
16:13Any kind of stoppage and play, I think, suits Canada to get back into that shape.
16:17Buchanan there had to be a bit wiser.
16:20Not a good ball from Oluwashay.
16:21Now he's given away straight towards Larea.
16:24The ball through for Oluwashay.
16:26What a turn from Oluwashay!
16:28Superb stop from Bono to keep Canada out.
16:36The pressure continues to build.
16:38Buchanan down the right.
16:40He goes down wanting the free kick.
16:42Nothing given.
16:44And Buchanan in with a strong challenge.
16:45And the free kick is now given against Tayshaun Buchanan.
16:50What a chance for Oluwashay.
16:52He does ever so well to create it with his turn.
16:57We've seen a really bad giveaway
17:00from Ainawian.
17:02Look at this ball from Ahmed.
17:03Love it.
17:04He's got...
17:05David is an option, but just drags it beyond Hulal.
17:09Lovely bit of skill, isn't it?
17:11Hits it reasonably well.
17:13Maybe not as clean as he would have liked.
17:16Bono gets down with a leg.
17:18Excellent save from the Moroccan keeper.
17:21Canada absolutely on top at the minute.
17:2411 minutes into this game.
17:26Easily being the better side.
17:28Masraoui down the line.
17:30And Sabari tries to get away.
17:32He skips past the first defender.
17:33And then Kripol can clean up and play this one towards Defusero.
17:38Sabari with 12 goals and 34 caps.
17:42Jonathan David battling there with Buadi.
17:44He's done well, Jonathan David.
17:46There are options now with Ustakio.
17:48Wide to the left side for Ali Ahmed.
17:51Ahmed closed down by Diaz.
17:53Ali Ahmed comes back towards Ustakio.
17:55Now Jonathan David.
17:59Larea.
18:01Ustakio trying to slide that one through.
18:03And Issa D up, clears away.
18:05Good stuff again, though.
18:06Great run from David.
18:07I thought he was being fouled.
18:09Michael Lauver allowing play to continue as we see.
18:12Gianni Infantino here this afternoon in Houston.
18:16And the ball from Ustakio.
18:18Ustakio could have been a little bit better along the ground for him to control easier.
18:24Brought down by Diaz.
18:26Given away to Segura.
18:28Pinball in there right now.
18:29And Oliver Shea able to get it back.
18:31This is Stefan Ustakio.
18:31Ustakio.
18:38Played forward by Hakimi.
18:40Only to the head of Bombito.
18:42Quite a fight there in the midfield right now.
18:44Canada winning it, Luke.
18:49Johnston.
18:52Johnston's cross in.
18:53Over the top of Oliver Shea.
18:54He's not cleared.
18:55Comes back for Stefan Ustakio.
18:56Ustakio rolls it in.
18:57It's Jonathan David.
19:00But for a moment there.
19:01Stefan Ustakio might have another crack from the edge of the area.
19:03He thought about it.
19:04He made a great pass.
19:06David's going to be a little sharper.
19:08Get his shot away.
19:09He's trying to find that extra pass.
19:12My slight criticism against Canada is when you're in position.
19:15Pull the trigger.
19:18They've been worthy of a goal so far, Luke.
19:28What a start it has been from Jesse Marsh's side.
19:37Morocco side that is unbeaten at this World Cup.
19:42In fact, they're unbeaten in their last nine games since on the pitch.
19:46Losing the AFCON final against Senegal by one goal to nil after extra time.
19:50Of course, they were later awarded the victory there after Senegal had walked off the pitch.
19:57Unhappy at officiating on that day and then come back on to finish the game.
20:11But if you include that Senegal game as a loss, which actually happened on the pitch,
20:17even so, it's still only two defeats in 49 games for Morocco.
20:20It's very impressive.
20:22They've been excellent, no doubt about it.
20:25I've been building since that surprising semi-final appearance at Qatar in the 2022 World Cup.
20:33They've been getting better and better.
20:34They've brought younger players into the squad.
20:37Where they are in the FIFA World Rankings for a reason.
20:43Free kick given on the far side.
20:46The foul by Richie Larea.
20:48Alistair Hakimi is down.
20:50Yeah, it's that little giving goal from Hakimi.
20:52It's so dangerous.
20:53Larea knows what he's doing.
20:55Just blocks him off.
20:59A little warning there from Michael Oliver.
21:01He's got to be careful.
21:04The last game was Hakimi's 100th for Morocco.
21:08Scored against Scotland.
21:09It was his first international goal of the year.
21:13Hakimi actually made his debut against Canada back in October of 2016 in a 4-0 win.
21:19Here's the high ball played down the right side.
21:21And Maxine Crepeau has to come quickly to get there.
21:25It's Hakimi that was pushing forward there.
21:26As he does so often from full back.
21:31Halal across the back.
21:35Alkanus who has started every game so far in this tournament.
21:43He said Diop.
21:49The other thing with Hakimi is you have to be alert to where he is at all times.
21:52He's not that conventional right back in terms of the positioning that you would expect.
21:56That's not a foul.
21:58No way.
22:00Michael Oliver tricked into that one by Hakimi.
22:03And the noise that he made when he went over.
22:05Didn't see a foul there enough to see.
22:07Slight touch in the foot.
22:08But Hakimi plays this one up.
22:11Don't mind the pressure though.
22:13From Larea.
22:14He's got to be tight on Hakimi.
22:15He can't allow him space and time.
22:18He stayed to that right hand side so far.
22:21Today.
22:22But he will start roaming as you said Luke.
22:26That's the sixth foul of the game.
22:28By Canada.
22:29Just one.
22:30From Morocco so far today.
22:33But we're 16 minutes in.
22:35And Canada are the better side here in the World Cup round of 16.
22:38Against Morocco.
22:45Like it goes towards the keeper.
22:47And now brought away.
22:48From the back by.
22:51Muwadi.
22:52Just a seventh cap for Muwadi.
22:54Goes long here.
22:55And they're trying to spring Saibari.
22:57Mois Bombito doing the defending.
22:59And the flag does now go up.
23:00It did look as if that should be the call.
23:03That was a high line from Canada.
23:04And Bombito knew exactly where he was.
23:06So.
23:07You trust the defender's instincts when he allows that run to go.
23:12Half a yard.
23:14Don't mind that.
23:15He got round really well too.
23:16He was on.
23:18On the side ready to turn and run backwards.
23:20Did pretty well.
23:33Morocco yet to attempt a shot so far here in Houston.
23:37No touches in the opposition box.
23:40Eustachio's ball down the right.
23:41And sliding in it's Halal to put it out of play for a corner.
23:44It's all good.
23:45It's all good going out.
23:45The football.
23:47Absolutely tremendous.
23:49David peeling out to a deep sort of right back position.
23:53Then Eustachio running off.
23:55The man who has to come and track out towards David.
23:58Great football.
23:58And immediately as Canada have got in good positions.
24:01They've tried to play in behind.
24:03They've been very positive with that ball forward.
24:05And it's caused Morocco all sorts of problems.
24:10It's a fourth quarter of the game.
24:13For Canada.
24:14Stefan Eustachio across to this near side to take it.
24:26Eustachio floats this one in.
24:28It's Johnston's header.
24:30Way header.
24:32It's a free header.
24:34Just standing all alone.
24:36Got a decent connection on it.
24:38Tried to put it downwards.
24:39Just blocked off by a Moroccan defender.
24:45Segura, the midfielder from Burnaby, B.C.
24:48Back for the Fougerol.
24:50Just feel like Canada have to score.
24:52With this much dominance.
24:54Against a side like Morocco.
24:57Can they capitalise?
25:01Played back by Bouhadi.
25:03One back by Eustachio.
25:04Linking up with Olua Shea.
25:05And wide to the left it goes.
25:07Sending Ali Ahmed chasing across to the far side.
25:10Ahmed up against Hakimi.
25:12Hakimi playing every minute of the tournament so far.
25:16Segura.
25:21Here's Richie Larea.
25:23Across for Moyes Bombito.
25:30Back to Bombito who it goes.
25:32He starts alongside Defusorol for just the second time today.
25:37And the last was Defusorol's first start for Canada in the Copa America third place match against Uruguay two years
25:42ago.
25:43You cannon forward here.
25:44The referee plays on with Olua Shea down.
25:47And now I think he's put this one back.
25:48He's given a yellow.
25:49Yeah.
25:50Very late from Halal.
25:52Trying to track Olua Shea who had good movement.
25:56Got it into his feet well.
25:57He's playing it and then going.
25:59Halal knows it.
26:00He's late for the challenge.
26:03On the foot.
26:04Maybe a little harsh to get a yellow.
26:06But at some point.
26:07These fouls were going to be penalised with cards.
26:14Someone down from Morocco in the middle of the park.
26:18Think it's Saibari.
26:20Not 100% sure.
26:22But looks like he's got a bit of an issue.
26:25There is Saibari.
26:28He's at that right hamstring.
26:30Seem to hold the back of his leg.
26:32Potentially from this run they had when he was offside with Moyes Bombito.
26:44He's at the moment.
26:46A little grimace on the face of Saibari.
26:48And this would be another big blow for Morocco if they're to lose their striker.
26:54The new Bayern Munich man.
26:5550 million euros from PSV Eindhoven.
26:59So we saw the yellow card given to Redouin Halal who plays for Mechelan in Belgium.
27:09If a player gets a yellow last week in the round of 32 and again today they would be suspended
27:15for the quarterfinal against France or Paraguay.
27:18The two Canadian players that we need to keep an eye on in that respect.
27:22And Nico Segur who got a yellow in L.A.
27:24And also Nathan Saliba as well.
27:26Saliba starting on the bench today with Segur coming in.
27:33But this is a big moment in the game because Saibari has scored three World Cup goals already in this
27:38tournament and has been a focal point for the attack for Morocco.
27:44Sofiane Rahimi will come in.
27:47That's a huge loss for Morocco.
27:50He has been the talisman.
27:52He's been the key guy up front.
27:53Looked very dangerous.
27:55Has led that line extremely well.
27:57An enormous loss.
28:00Rahimi.
28:01A player who comes in to the side.
28:06Obviously decent player but I mean Gretzky there watching on from Houston.
28:12Jesse Marsh actually said this week that Wayne Gretzky has been texting him throughout the tournament.
28:18He said it's surreal whenever he gets a text.
28:22From Gretzky.
28:24Play back underway here with Stefan Ustakio's free kick.
28:28And he swings this one in but a little too close towards Yasin Bono.
28:34Bono an unused player in 2018 at the World Cup.
28:42Played all but one game in 2022.
28:45In fact every minute of 10 of the last 11 World Cup games for Bono for Morocco.
28:51So Rahimi comes in.
28:52He plays in the United Arab Emirates with Alain.
28:5513 goals and 41 caps.
28:57Scored his penalty in the shootout against the Netherlands.
29:00And had a goal and an assist in a substitute appearance against Haiti in the final group game.
29:05Segur brings it down.
29:08And now Tayshawn Buchanan across on the left side for the moment.
29:11Up against Bouhadi.
29:14Segur is still down but play continues here and Buchanan wanted a free kick on the far side.
29:19There's a lot of light challenges coming in from Morocco now.
29:22They're getting frustrated and being outplayed at the beginning of this game.
29:27And just getting to the point where they're trying to show their physicality.
29:31So Canada have to keep moving this ball quickly.
29:33This is an opportunity to play through them as they come in intense.
29:37And at least get them out of position.
29:40Trying to get some bookings like Halal got before on Oliver Shea.
29:44He's just going to shove that from David.
29:46Yeah, silly one.
29:48No need to make that.
29:49He's going nowhere.
29:51And here comes the hydration break.
29:53Canada have had the better chances.
29:56And have looked a better team.
29:58Toe to toe.
29:59With a true global heavyweight.
30:02And so far.
30:03It's advantage Canada with the way that they have started this game.
30:07At the hydration break in the first half.
30:17Canada isn't just pretty.
30:19It's powerful.
30:21And our government has a plan to unlock that power.
30:25As the world races towards clean energy.
30:28Canada's government will use our natural advantage to build world-class energy projects.
30:33That bring down costs.
30:34Create thousands of new jobs.
30:36And lower emissions.
30:38We'll build a cleaner future.
30:40In a way that only Canada can.
30:43A message from the government of Canada.
30:47It's going to be a very interesting match.
30:52Players are set to take the field.
30:55And Canada is fired up.
31:01Is there a touch?
31:02Penalty.
31:03That is a massive decision.
31:22Play for the ultras.
31:41Game over.
31:44Superior is worth playing for.
31:47Michelob Ultra Zero.
31:48Lovely skill to get out of a tight situation.
31:50And now a powerful run forward.
31:52The defender rushing back here to try and hold the run.
31:55Just look at the way he turns the defender and gets away.
31:59He just couldn't quite get hold of that one.
32:04What an occasion.
32:06What drama here for these fans to do.
32:10Back and back of the defender.
32:12There's the strike into the bottom corner.
32:14It's a goal.
32:26Alphonso Davies with plenty to say to his teammates during the hydration break.
32:30Davies making his first appearance of this World Cup.
32:33Of course, last week, late on against South Africa.
32:36Doing his part as the captain of this group.
32:41But we've seen huge momentum swings in some games coming out of a hydration break.
32:47This was going in favour of Jesse Marsh's side.
32:49But Mohamed Ouabi, the 49-year-old Belgian coach,
32:52who was appointed in early March,
32:54has had a chance now to get to his players.
32:56What will he have been saying?
32:57He'll be trying to stir them up a little bit.
32:59He won't be happy with the first part of this game from his team.
33:05Move the ball a little bit quicker.
33:06Try and stretch Canada.
33:08Canada have done really well this medium press.
33:10Picking and choose their moments.
33:12Halal has been one that they've targeted.
33:14They've went and pressed off him.
33:15And so, maybe a little bit more direct from Morocco.
33:19Try and change where the game's being played.
33:22Johnston underneath it.
33:23Heads clear towards halfway.
33:25Johnston again.
33:26This is Buchanan.
33:28Stefan Ustakio, who has been involved up to the hydration break
33:31with more touches than any other Canadian player.
33:33And now the foul given as El Canous was sent to ground.
33:42A late challenge from Johnston.
33:44I think it's just about a foul.
33:46It's that arm in at the back.
33:48I mean, El Canous that makes it a free kick.
33:51He's frustrated, but I think the right call for Michael Oliver.
33:55El Canous won Olympic bronze with Morocco.
33:59One in Belgium.
34:00His grandparents are from Morocco.
34:02He switched to represent them.
34:06Halal.
34:08Back it goes to Bono.
34:14Issa Diop's ball forwards.
34:17He had a yellow card in the last game.
34:19Issa Diop at the back.
34:20So, if he got one today, he would be out of the quarterfinal.
34:23If Morocco were to make it.
34:25Bombito giving away there towards El Canous.
34:29Rahimi with a shot from distance.
34:31And it's the substitute that tests Maxime Crepeau for the first time on the day.
34:35Yeah, he had options.
34:36He had Diaz to his right, but took on the shot.
34:40Not a bad strike.
34:42Comfortable save for Crepeau.
34:44Bombito's got to be careful.
34:45The straight passes have cost them a couple of times in this tournament.
34:49Maybe because they lack a match sharpness, but needs to be careful.
34:54That was the first shot attempted by Morocco in this game.
34:58And it came after 28 minutes of play.
35:01Yeah, there's that pass again.
35:04Intercepted by El Canous.
35:05Right into Rahimi.
35:07Takes on the shot.
35:10Not a bad save down to the right from Maxime Crepeau.
35:14Johnston's throw down the line.
35:16Couldn't find Oliver Shea as Halal comes across and puts it out for another Canada throw.
35:20They've made a good 30 yards or so there.
35:22Advancing into the Morocco half past the bench of what for now are the African champions.
35:30I think Senegal still actually have the trophy in their possession.
35:32They won't give it back.
35:34Can you blame them?
35:37Morocco won it on appeal.
35:39Now Senegal are appealing the appeal.
35:41We'll wait and see where that one ends up.
35:44Johnston with the throw here for Canada.
35:45Looping in towards the front post.
35:50And we thought Copa America was crazy, by the way, when Canada was in it.
35:53Yeah, AFCON was a whole new level.
35:55You were in the stadium for the final.
35:56Yeah, I was there, Luke, in Rabat.
35:58Incredible game.
35:59The iconic game.
36:02Infamous game that will never be forgotten.
36:04You see a little bit of a shove there from Defusero.
36:09Very good side.
36:10Didn't play well in the AFCON final in their home city of Rabat.
36:15But they're a quality team and Canada have done such a good job so far to a man.
36:20Playing superbly well in this game.
36:23Being the better team as we tick towards the 30th minute of the match.
36:38One big save from Yassim Bono, the Montreal-born keeper, in goal for Morocco.
36:44To keep Canada at bay early.
36:47Yeah, hard to be critical of Oluwache because he created it so well with his turn.
36:52But you've got to be scoring them.
36:53There's a chance, real big chance, to capitalise on Canada's early domination.
37:02Yassid Diop carrying this one forward from the back.
37:05Gets it back from Hakimi, who has been marshaled well so far by Ali Ahmed and Richie Larea on that
37:11Canada left.
37:13Halal.
37:16Masraoui.
37:18Back it goes from the Manchester United man, who won the Bundesliga with Alphonso Davies at Bayern in the 22
37:24-23 season.
37:26Yassid Diop.
37:32You see Moroccan midfielders, it was first it was Bouhadi, now it's...
37:36And now he dropped a little bit deeper, creating a bit of a back three, making it more difficult for
37:41Oluwache and David to push Morocco in a certain direction or to press.
37:48And now he's ball out wide to Hakimi on the right side.
37:52Here's Hakimi's ball back in.
37:53Push forward there by Ounahi.
37:56Look to Fuserole back defending.
37:57And the free kick is given.
38:00That's terrific.
38:01It really is.
38:02He knows exactly what he's trying to do.
38:03He's going to win the race, the ball.
38:05And then there'll be contact.
38:06And he's just going to go over.
38:08Superb.
38:09Really poor from Rahimi.
38:11I don't know what he's thinking in terms of barging into Fuserole, letting him off the hook.
38:17And it's been really smart from Canada.
38:19Their brains are working in unison.
38:22And it's been really at a high level right now to cause so many problems to Morocco.
38:31Look to Fuserole throughout this tournament has consistently been inside the list of the top ten defenders of this FIFA
38:39World Cup.
38:40That is shown on screen in stadium every game.
38:43It's part of Arsene Wenger and his technical committee.
38:45See what they see in games.
38:48And they rank the players.
38:49And at one point after that game last Sunday, Luke de Fuserole was as high as the top two.
38:57That would even have been one at one point.
38:59Yeah, I think it may have been.
39:01Johnston's ball forward towards Jonathan David who couldn't bring it down.
39:04Picked up by Niko Segur in the midfield.
39:06David, back towards Bombito.
39:09Niko Segur has started quite a lot for Canada over the course of the last year,
39:14but mainly at right back.
39:16Came on in midfield in the 67th minute in South Africa.
39:21His last Canada start was at right back against Tunisia in the 0-0 draw.
39:25In March.
39:26But a couple of midfield starts in the Gold Cup last year.
39:34Never before though alongside Eustachio.
39:41Into the 34th minute here in Houston.
39:46Stadium where Canada have previously played twice and lost both games.
39:52Both Gold Cup clashes.
39:55Here's Ali Ahmed down the left.
39:57Richie Lerre had gone forward.
39:58But there's space for Stefan Eustachio here.
40:00Eustachio's ball in.
40:01Back post for Tejan Buchanan.
40:03Masraoui heads away.
40:04Masraoui once again hooks this one clear.
40:07Canada just on to absolutely everything, Luke.
40:10Any kind of sloppy pass.
40:13Buchanan, Eustachio, Ahmed stepped onto it and then they've went forward with some vigour.
40:18That man will be concerned.
40:19Uwabi coming off, of course, a gruelling game.
40:24And it went to penalty kicks.
40:26Another corner here for Canada.
40:28In Monterey, look.
40:29They look tired, Morocco.
40:30That altitude.
40:31We wondered how that would affect them.
40:33We felt like they had enough youth and legs that it wouldn't.
40:36But I've got to say, the early signs are they don't look themselves.
40:40And Canada have been right at it.
40:43Another corner here.
40:44Eustachio out to take it again.
40:46Free header for Johnson.
40:48The one before.
40:50Let's see if Canada have something different up their sleeves.
40:52Or they're going to try and hit that six-yard spot.
40:57This is corner number five for Canada.
40:59Morocco yet to have one.
41:01The outswinger from Stephanie Eustachio.
41:04And glanced down at the front post by Oloyche.
41:07Brahim Diaz tried to get it away but couldn't.
41:09Now the battle in the box here as Defuserold goes down.
41:12And the referee gives the free kick against Luke Defuserold in favour of the little man, Ayoub Bouhadi.
41:17What about the way that they're swarming Morocco, though, even in the box here.
41:20Just right onto Canada.
41:22Not giving them a second, Bouhadi.
41:24Just about gets away with it.
41:28McCannan nearly picks his pocket.
41:30Touch of a handball there from Bouhadi.
41:32Don't know if it's intentional but Defuserold sort of bundles into him anyway.
41:39Two youngsters battling.
41:41Defuserold at age 20.
41:43Bouhadi still a teenager.
41:56Through 35 minutes of play.
41:58It has been an excellent start from Canada.
42:01Bouhadi now down the right side.
42:02Steals it away from Masraoui.
42:04He goes down but he's got the throw here by the corner flag.
42:07The press has been so good.
42:09So good.
42:10Jonathan David usually starts it.
42:12Once it comes out of the wider area, everyone just locks on.
42:15There's no options for the full back or the midfielder on the ball.
42:19And then three, four times Canada have won it back and drove forward.
42:24It's a foul.
42:26Owen Buchanan.
42:26As you see the replay.
42:29Nonetheless, it's a long throw that Alistair Johnson is going to try and hurl right into
42:34the box.
42:36Defuserold, Bombito targets.
42:40Defuserold couldn't get there as it was headed away by Bouhadi.
42:43Richie Larea first to react.
42:45Johnston down the right side.
42:46In the battle with Alcarus.
42:48Picked up here by Segur.
42:50And now Johnston.
42:53Johnston flossing his way through.
42:54But Masraoui will bring this one away.
42:56And Morocco dangerous here on the counter.
42:58But Ustakio able to get there.
43:00And a free kick has been given as referee Michael Oliver winds this one all the way back.
43:04Masraoui is down.
43:10It was a frantic battle, wasn't it?
43:13It's a foul there.
43:14But Masraoui runs into Bombito.
43:17Maybe he just knows what he's doing.
43:21A little bit harsh.
43:22Can set them the pass connected as well from Masraoui.
43:28Masraoui slowly back to his feet.
43:31It's Mel Saibari having to leave the game.
43:35The end of a week when he saw a big money move to Bayern Munich.
43:39Having made such an impact for his country at this World Cup.
43:43He exits early.
43:46Both sides had to make a change in defence coming into this game.
43:49With Riyad being replaced by Halal at the back for Morocco.
43:53And Luc de Fougerol coming in for Derek Cornelius.
43:55Who picked up a muscle injury in training on Thursday.
43:59Jesse Marsch said Cornelius would be dressed and would only be available in case of an emergency in this game.
44:07So de Fougerol came back in.
44:10It's another soft one.
44:13Michael Oliver just a little pedantic there with his decision making.
44:17Allow it to go.
44:18It's a good battle.
44:19Both sides are at it.
44:21And Ahi just goes over a couple of times now.
44:24Morocco getting a call from the English referee.
44:28Still no touch in the Canada penalty area for Morocco.
44:34They had 62 such touches in the first half across their first four games in this tournament.
44:42A remarkable start for Jesse Marsch's men.
44:46El Nawi with a long ball forward.
44:48It'll run straight to the arms of Maxime Cropot.
44:52And de Fougerol getting into it.
44:53Well it's Hakimi that started that little push on Larea.
44:58Michael Oliver right in the middle to sort this out.
45:01Canada just be careful.
45:03Sometimes things like this change the momentum of a game.
45:08Hakimi knows what he's doing.
45:09That's why he's pushing Larea.
45:10He knows that Larea can be a little hot-headed at times.
45:14De Fougerol's getting involved.
45:16Don't take any part in it.
45:18And there might be a slight bit of frustration on Hakimi's side.
45:21But as you said, he's not doing that out of frustration.
45:24He's also doing it because he knows that he needs to try and get at Canada right now.
45:28He's been ineffective in the game.
45:30He's had no part in it.
45:31He's one of the world's best players.
45:33Probably the world's best right-back.
45:34He's barely touched the ball.
45:36He's been absolutely dealt with by Rich Larea and Ali Ahmed on that far side.
45:41He's just trying to stir things up.
45:44Take Canada out of the high levels of concentration that they've been in in this game.
45:49That's been the most impressive part of Canada.
45:52Their attention to detail and the way that they've delivered on Jesse Marsha's tactics has been so impressive.
45:58Don't let your head get hot.
46:02Well, it's a yellow card for Hakimi and a yellow for Richie Larea as well.
46:08It's ridiculous.
46:09Larea's getting a yellow here.
46:12It absolutely is.
46:12It should be a yellow for Hakimi.
46:15You see here, Larea's just shielding.
46:16There's the push.
46:17That's a yellow.
46:18Diffusional comes over.
46:20Doesn't do too much.
46:20Let's see what Larea does.
46:24I don't see that as a yellow, I have to say.
46:28I think it's harsh.
46:31What about 20-year-old Luke Diffusional on this huge stage,
46:35standing up straight away into a more experienced player?
46:39No fear.
46:40No fear at all.
46:41We know that now.
46:41We've seen enough of him to understand that he doesn't play or think negatively in any way.
46:48Goes for everything.
46:49He's had a terrific half.
46:50He's got to keep his concentration.
46:53This game's got a long way to go.
46:55Canada's been excellent, but it's still level.
46:57And Morocco haven't been anywhere near themselves so far.
47:02Johnston.
47:04Buchanan got back quickly, but it's picked up here by Masraoui.
47:08Segur in the battle there wins the free kick in the challenge with Alcarus.
47:12Segur's having a cracking match.
47:16Just combative in the middle of the part there.
47:18On to things.
47:19Ustako's been superb too.
47:21Segur probably just shades it with his midfield teammate, but Segur and the decision to play
47:27from the start has been a bit of a master stroke from Jesse Marsh.
47:32Segur made his Canada debut in Texas.
47:35In Arlington in September of 2024 as a substitute in a game against Mexico.
47:45Mentioned earlier on the loss against Mexico here in this stadium by two goals to one.
47:50Back in the 2021 goal cut.
47:52The other one was the 2019 goal cut.
47:54They led 2-0 through Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies under John Herdman.
47:57Conceded three second-half goals and lost 3-2 to Haiti on that day.
48:08Diop.
48:09Back it goes for Bono.
48:14So far so good for Canada, but with the standard of the opposition on the other side, the game
48:18can change in a flash.
48:24Look where Diaz has, now he's picked up a spot in between that midfield and defence, came
48:29right off the right-hand side, coming all the way over to try to get on the ball.
48:34There's that little trigger press again where they allow it to come out to the left-hand
48:39side to Madrawi and then they're right on it, they lock in Canada.
48:45Diaz just gets that one back.
48:47Segur chasing once again.
48:50It's the intensity with which he covers the ground as well, Nico Segur, that is so impressive.
48:55Yep.
48:56In a position that he has played, but not a lot for either Haiduk Split or Canada over the
49:01course of the last 12 months or so.
49:03Yeah, for his club team, he is normally a midfielder, but higher up on the right-hand
49:07side, not exactly central, but done so well so far.
49:13Raheem Diaz turning against Alistair Johnston, Jonathan David gets back, Nico Segur as well,
49:17and I think that might be for the Jonathan David foul, and he gets the yellow.
49:23Good foul, knows exactly what he's doing, he's stopping Diaz as he drifts past the couple
49:29of players.
49:32Johnson might have been booked for the little tug, he lets go, he knows he's beaten.
49:37David never want to shirk defensive responsibilities back in, makes a foul.
49:44He's got to be careful now.
49:49Across comes Hakimi to take this free kick.
49:57He's won five league titles and two Champions Leagues in five seasons with PSG.
50:05EYEBALL in towards the back post, and it'll drop down here, Defusorol able to clear it away.
50:11David.
50:13Larea there in the fight with Unahi.
50:18Morocco coming clear, but Defusorol across to put a foot in, and out it goes, on the far
50:23side, Rahimi beaten to the ball by Defusorol, and it's a throw.
50:27What a few minutes coming up.
50:29Bit of a danger zone before the end of the half.
50:31Canada just, it's a poor one from Unahi, should be a yellow.
50:36It is.
50:39Well, the standard has been set now by Michael Oliver, and if it keeps going like this, there
50:43could be a lot more yellows shown.
50:45There could be.
50:49Match is getting a little bit prickly as well.
50:52There it is, little swipe, yellow cards, no doubt about it.
50:55But it is getting a little testy.
50:59Morocco absolutely know they're in a game now, and they're going to try and disturb Canada,
51:04of course, they could mix it up as well, the Moroccans.
51:09It's a Diox header away, and Defusorol will let that one roll out of play, a few seconds
51:15away from finding out how much stoppage time will be added on at the end of this first half.
51:27Six minutes of time to be added on at the end of this first 45 in Houston.
51:35And some defending for Canada to do here down the left side.
51:38El Caruso with the ball into the middle.
51:40Bombito scrambling back.
51:42Buchanan there as well.
51:43Morocco wanted the free kick.
51:44Nothing given by Michael Oliver.
51:46And Jonathan David down the right looked up.
51:48Wasn't much there.
51:49Taniolo O'Shea wanted it played long, but it didn't come.
51:52No, he should have played it in the second step, but O'Shea should have spun.
51:56First and foremost, he was in near, and a little spin and move was the right way to go.
52:02Oh, I don't know if Bombito gets the ball there on Rahimi.
52:06Got away with that one, maybe.
52:10Justin heads away.
52:12El Caruso flicks back inside.
52:14Segur.
52:15Now another foul.
52:17Munahi is down.
52:19Jesse Marsh is not happy.
52:21Got some words for Michael Oliver.
52:23Yeah, I mean, he's brought a lot of this on himself, Luke.
52:26He's with the bookends and the constant awarding of free kicks.
52:30He's really broke the game up, which we've not seen too much from the officials in this tournament.
52:36They've usually tried to let things go.
52:41Jesse Marsh and Michael Oliver, of course, familiar with each other from Marsh's days in the Premier League with Leeds
52:48United.
53:00He's a player that Canada have to target.
53:05They have targeted him.
53:07They have a joy off him, Halal, but he looks a little nervy, a little anxious.
53:12He looks someone that I think can be targeted in the second half.
53:21Pressure on from Jonathan David here.
53:24Halal defending.
53:25Segur in there as well, and a free kick given.
53:28Segur with the hands in the back.
53:30Free serious! Free serious!
53:36Was it enough?
53:37He was going down anyway.
53:39He's going down anyway.
53:40You're always going to get it if there's any kind of contact.
53:43It's a frustrating one, but you have to give that yard there.
53:48Otherwise, the defender's going to go over and take the free kick.
53:51It's an all-English refereeing crew.
53:53And the assistant on the near side, Stuart Burke, felt that that was a foul.
54:02Into the third minute of six being added on here in Houston.
54:08Canada's third World Cup game against an African opponent.
54:11They lost against Morocco in 2022.
54:14They beat South Africa in L.A. a week ago to make it through to the round of 16.
54:24And that's a throw for Canada.
54:28Johnston takes it quickly, sending Oluwashay, chasing down the right side.
54:32Halal coming across to defend.
54:36And Oluwashay tries to get inside, but can't get past Masraoui.
54:39That was very quick thinking from Alistair Johnston to get that move back underway.
54:43It's not an all-tournament look, usually for David.
54:46A risky one, Bombito does well.
54:49Oluwashay went past Alal easily.
54:51Masraoui defended well.
54:53Canada go again now.
54:55Marea for Eustachio, and now Ali Ahmed, who came into the side today for Liam Miller.
55:00Glad he skips that challenge.
55:02Hakimi down the right, pushing it forward.
55:04Across goes Bombito.
55:07Diaz.
55:08Al-Canus down the left for Morocco.
55:11Canada getting the numbers back quickly.
55:14And Morocco lose the ball to Oluwashay.
55:18Ainawi there just had no idea that Oluwashay was coming.
55:21Oh, he's had a torrent first-half look.
55:24Ainawi's player I've really liked in this tournament.
55:27Looked excellent with every other game, but he's really not been at aces this afternoon.
55:36Ainawi, the Roma man out wide to the right.
55:38He's started every game of this tournament in his first World Cup.
55:42Buari.
55:45Ainawi once again, a 21st cap for him.
55:4724-year-old midfielder.
55:50And Masraoui all the way back to Bono.
55:52And we're inside the final two minutes.
55:54The first touch in the opposition box for Morocco came in the 44th minute of this game.
56:03And that's the only touch they have.
56:05Yeah, Canada's penalty area.
56:07Well, it's been a tremendous half.
56:08The only thing that's been missing is the goal.
56:11Canada, I think, deserved.
56:16But Morocco are not finished yet.
56:18You see Unai.
56:19Unai start to come into game.
56:21Number eight, getting on the ball in different areas.
56:24The tempo's just upped a little bit from Morocco.
56:27Get to half-time Canada, regroup.
56:29And I'm sure there'll be some changes from Morocco at the half.
56:32Defusor all got caught there.
56:36And I think another yellow card is coming from Michael Oliver.
56:42El Caduce.
56:50He follows Unai and Halal and also Hakimi.
56:54Yeah, it's a late one from El Caduce.
56:57A little bit of an arm into the body, I think it is.
57:03Catches the foot as well.
57:05It's a yellow, probably.
57:07Again, considering the yellows, it makes a lot of what's given already, but I don't think anything more.
57:18There's been no shot from Canada since the 15th minute of this game.
57:27They had a couple of opportunities early in the opening quarter of an hour.
57:32Denied by Bono.
57:34But it has been a superb first-half performance from Jesse Marsh.
57:38Absolutely terrific.
57:40Only thing missing was the goal.
57:41The intensity, the attention to detail.
57:45Terrific stuff from Canada.
57:47More of that in the second half.
57:48This is a game that they can win, believe it or not, get to a quarter-final of a FIFA
57:53World Cup.
57:55Well, Paraguay or France awaiting the winners of this one in the World Cup quarter-final.
58:01In the round of 16 in Houston at halftime, Canada nil, Morocco nil.
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