Canada’s historic World Cup run came to an end Saturday with a 3-0 loss to Morocco in the Round of 16 in Houston, Texas.
The Canadian men’s team was looking to keep its World Cup dreams alive against its highest-ranked opponent of the tournament after advancing further than ever before on soccer’s biggest stage.
Morocco, ranked sixth in the FIFA world rankings, entered the match on a 33-game winning streak after a record-setting run through the tournament.
Morocco made the most of its opportunities, scoring three goals on four shots on target.
Their advancement from Group C is also the third time an African nation has reached the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup.
Canada and Morocco last met in the group stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Dec. 1, 2022, when Morocco beat Canada 2-1 in Doha, Qatar.
Despite the score, Canadian head coach Jesse Marsch said he believed his side had matched one of the tournament favourites for much of the game.
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“Man, we were the better team,” Marsch told CTV after the match. “They made a couple more plays than us. … We lacked the ability to make the play when we needed to.”
“We should have been on top of the game. We should have had the lead, and then it’s the fine details,” he added.
Marsch also praised his players for staying true to their style.
“I’d rather be us than them. As good as Morocco is, I’d rather be us,” he said. “I’m really proud of our guys. They’re hurting right now, but my goodness, I couldn’t be prouder.”
Following the defeat, Prime Minister Mark Carney also congratulated the team on its historic run.
“An incredible run and a sign of what’s to come. Thank you to our team, the fans, and everyone who made this World Cup showing our best yet,” Carney said on social media.
Canada Soccer reflected on the team’s performance in an emotional message to supporters.
“Our World Cup journey comes to a close. Canada’s football journey is only just beginning,” the organization wrote on social media.
“Right now, the hurt is real. We came here believing we could keep writing history, and when you believe that deeply, the final whistle is not easy to accept.”
Before the final whistle ended Canada’s run, both teams had entered the Round of 16 with great momentum.
“Canada will be a tough opponent for us,” head coach Mohamed Ouahbi said following Morocco’s shootout victory over the Netherlands Monday night.
Canadian Alphonso Davies got his first taste of this year’s tournament in Canada’s Round of 32 matchup against South Africa, coming off the bench for the final 15 minutes and sparking an immediate change of pace that led to Canada’s game-winning goal.
In the game against Morocco, Davies sat on the bench, a dejected look on his face.
The only balls Canadians are used to kicking is ourselves in the nuts.
I guess Canada can cheer for the USA .
The people most happiest with Marsch’s decision to sit Davies so much is his other team Bayern.
Massive coaching error. Marsch had the players into a full press but it was clear in the second half many were noticeably tired. He kept playing alll these players when non the bench are some excellent energy Canada needed. J. David didn’t have enough energy left to attempt a shot, not that he really knows how to score. And worse of all Alphonso sits on the bench who turned the last game around. I will never forgive Marsch for hurting and embarassing one of the best players Canada has ever had.
When or at what Date are these Games Over!!?? I’s so sick of seeing them whenever I turn on TV, News, etc etc etc.
Not everyone cares about sports being pushed on them! grrrr!
So Canada wins one game and they are a big deal. I guess small fish in small pond. Glad Canada lost.
Hey Elbows Up! Carney says Canada is the “best”.
Not so.
No suprise
another fakers paradise. if you cant handle someone touching your knee then wear shinpads you frauds
Morocco will beat the sht out of us 8-0
I winder how many of the Elbozo hypocrites travelled to Houston to watch the game.
Yawn….
Where all the rich asholes live