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Morocco and Croatia (Image Source: Twitter)
On 1 December 2022, all four teams of Group F played their last group-stage matches in the ongoing FIFA World Cup. However, apart from Canada, all teams had a chance to get qualified for the next round. Belgium took on Croatia in Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. While Morocco locked horns with Canada in Al Thumama Stadium.
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Both Belgium and Croatia were looking for a win to qualify for the Round of 16. Meanwhile, Canada were looking to play spoilsport for Morocco. So, the stage was set for two great encounters in the ongoing tournament. Big-name players Kevin de Bruyne, Luka Modric, and Hakim Ziyech were in action in their respective matches.
Croatia and Morocco qualified for the Round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup 2022
Croatia vs Belgium
Croatia kicked off the match with more intensity than Belgium. In the first minute only, Ivan Perisic had a shot from the edge of the box. But, his effort went wide of the right post. Then, in the 10th minute, Yannick Carrasco came to score the opener. But, Croatia’s Marcelo Brozovic came up with a huge block to prevent him.
In the 17th minute, VAR denied a rewarded penalty to Croatia after checking. After that, both teams tried their best but the half ended 0-0. In the second half, Romelu Lukaku managed a shot in the 60th minute. But, it the post and went away. After two minutes, Lukaku missed another chance as his header went over the bar. However, the match ended 0-0 and Croatia qualified for the next round.
Canada vs Morocco
Morocco had a blistering start to the game. Hakim Ziyech scored the opener for them in the fourth minute. Then, in the 23rd minute, Youssef En-Nesyri doubled the lead while Achraf Hakimi assisted him. But, in the 40th minute, an own goal from Morocco’s Nayef Aguerd pulled one back for Canada. Thus, the first half ended 2-1.
In the second half, Alphonso Davies came close to scoring in the 58th minute. But, his effort ended far off the right post. Then, in the 71st minute, Alistair Johnston's header went above the bar and they failed to score the equalizer. Finally, Morocco defeated Canada 2-1 and qualified for the next round for the first time in their history.