Canada will face Morocco in Houston on 4 July, aiming to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history.
The Canadian national team
The Canadians have already achieved a great deal at this World Cup. The team progressed from the group stage and reached the round of 16. Two wins in their last three matches are giving fans hope for future triumphs.
Canada have managed at least seven shots on goal in three of their four World Cup matches. The side have scored more than one goal in just one of their last seven World Cup matches.
With the exception of Ismael Koné, Canada will field their strongest line-up. Alphonso Davies could make his first start.
Morocco
Morocco also needed a dramatic finale to secure their place in the round of 16. The team can approach this match with great confidence, having won six of their last eight knockout matches at major tournaments.
Statistics show that Morocco have conceded only two out of eight penalties in World Cup penalty shoot-outs. Only one of the national team’s six World Cup matches after the group stage has ended with more than 2.5 goals.
Achraf Hakimi could become the first African player to make his 15th World Cup appearance — in his last seven international matches, he has been directly involved in five goals (1 goal, 4 assists).
The participation of Chad defender Riad is in doubt, having been substituted due to injury in the last match.
Prediction
Morocco are in superb attacking form and have the better squad. Canada are counting on the support of the crowd and their ability to capitalise on chances. Both teams will score, and a win for the latter is quite likely.
W 2
