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Recommended bets
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Match preview
Will Morocco book their place in the World Cup knockout phase for the first time since Mexico ‘86?
Against the odds, the Atlas Lions come into the final matchday occupying a top two spot, desperate not to relinquish it now.
First, Walid Regragui’s side suggested that they’d be competitive at this tournament, holding Croatia to a scoreless draw.
Then, on Sunday, Morocco secured just their third World Cup victory, and first this century, by defeating Belgium.
Having already had a goal chalked off by VAR, they finally made the breakthrough late on when Abdelhamid Sabiri in-swinging free-kick evaded everybody.
Then, with Belgium pushing for an equaliser, Morocco broke up the other end and Zakaria Aboukhlal’s emphatic finish secured the points.
Canada meantime have ended their 36-year World Cup exile, but have already been eliminated with a game to spare.
In their opener, the Canucks outplayed Belgium all night, but failed to take their chances and were beaten 1-0.
Then, at the weekend, les Rouges bagged their maiden World Cup goal, coming after just 69 seconds when Tajon Buchanan’s cross was expertly headed home by Alphonso Davies.
However, Canada were unable to bag their first-ever point at the tournament, eventually swatted aside 4-1 by Croatia.
So, despite knowing they’re going home after this, John Herdman’s team will be highly-motivated to claim all three points.
Will Morocco be celebrating come full time at Al-Thumama Stadium?
Canada team news
John Herdman was criticised on Sunday for deploying a midfield two up-against Croatia’s imperious trio.
However, he’s likely to stick with the 3-4-2-1 shape, featuring 39 year old Atiba Hutchinson and Stephen Eustáquio in the middle.
Out-wide, Tajon Buchanan and Alphonso Davies, who combined for the goal, terrorised Croatia all evening.
Cyle Larin, who scored 13 times in qualifying, was only on the bench in their opener, but will lead the line once again here.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Borjan; Johnston, Miller, Vitória; Lareya, Hutchinson, Eustáquio, Davies; Buchanan, David, Larin.
Morocco team news
First-choice goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who was actually born in Montreal, was the headline team news against Belgium.
He felt unwell during the national anthems so, just seconds before kick off, withdrew from the game and Munir Mohamedi deputised.
It’s unknown who will be donning the gloves here.
Out-field, the side is likely to remain unchanged; Noussair Mazraoui played the full 90 in Sunday, despite being a pre-game doubt.
Sofyan Amrabat and Abdelhamid Sabiri would miss any potential round of 16 tie if booked here.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Bounou; Hakimi, Aguerd, Saïss, Mazraoui; Ounahi, Amallah, Amrabat; Ziyech, Boufal, En-Nesyri.
Canada vs Morocco: Head to head statistics
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