Canada Gave It All…
Canada gave it their all. Fought like warriors. Put their bodies on the line, created opportunities, held the Moroccans at bay, frustrating them no end and without doubt were the better team at the break in Houston.
… But The Atlas Lions Found A Way
The Atlas Lions, however, found a way. They let the Canadians have possession, drew them forward and then attacked them in a quick transition, catching the defence off guard.
Ounahi Broke The Shackles
All three goals from Morocco came similarly. The first one saw Achraf Hakimi winning a free kick from the right flank. Instead of sending the ball into the box, he slipped the ball to the eagerly awaiting Ounahi, who drilled one past a maze of bodies into the goal. The shackles were broken.
Brahim Diaz Was Sublime As Ounahi Scored Again
Brahim Diaz lifted his game magnificently after Ismael Saibari had to leave with a thigh injury. His run-in into the Canadian box produced another goal, with Ounahi once again finishing brilliantly. With two goals down, it was virtually all over for Canada.
The Canadians went for broke, but Rahimi made it 3-0
The Canadians went for broke to get the goals they needed, but were denied. The Moroccans instead put a third one through the Canadian defence in the last second of the match, with Brahim Diaz once again providing the assist for Rahimi to score.
The Atlas Lions emerged the winners…
The Atlas Lions emerged 3-0 winners, but it was a much closer game than suggested by the score line. Morocco, with tremendous tactical discipline in the second half, reaped the benefits. Canada, on the other hand and opportunities in the first half but lacked quality in finishing.
… But the Canadians Left With Pride
It was a tremendous World Cup for the co-hosts, who gave a tremendous account of themselves and left the arena with a great sense of pride.
Paraguay Push France In A Very Physical Battle
France were pushed by Paraguay in a very physical game in Philadelphia. The rhythm of the French was completely broken by a spirited Paraguayan side, which kept on denying space to the rampant French attackers. Mbappé, Dembele, Desire Doue and Michael Olise were all frustrated with the physicality posed by the South Americans.
Mbappé Converts A Penalty In The 70th Minute
There were some heated exchanges between the players from both sides as time began to tick. The French dominated the ball with 76 per cent possession and had 12 corners, but were unable to score till the 70th minute of the match. Desire Doué was obstructed in the box, and Mbappé converted the penalty with ease, scoring his 7th goal of the tournament and 19th in all World Cups.
A Sensational Orlando Gill
Orlando Gill, the Paraguayan goalkeeper, was in sensational form and saved several French strikes, particularly a couple from Mbappé in a dramatic piece of Goalkeeping.
The French Eventually Emerge Victorious…
The French eventually emerged the winners by a solitary goal. They, too, were not unscathed and survived to fight another day.
… And Will Meet The Atlas Lions in the Quarters
The French will play the Atlas Lions in the quarter-finals in what is expected to be an epic encounter in Boston on Friday, July 10, 1.30 am IST
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