All four teams of Group F were in action in the ongoing FIFA World Cup on 1 December 2022. The stage was set for two exciting clashes as three teams had a chance to qualify for the next round. Belgium locked horns with Croatia in Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. On the other hand, Morocco took on Canada in Al Thumama Stadium.
It was a must-win game for both Croatia and Belgium. So, fans were waiting for that clash eagerly. Meanwhile, Canada were looking for a win before departing for home from Qatar. A win for them could end the road for Morocco in this ongoing World Cup. Big-name players Kevin de Bruyne, Luka Modric, and Hakim Ziyech were in action in their respective matches.
Croatia and Morocco sealed their places in the Round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup 2022
Croatia vs Belgium
Croatia came close to opening the scoring in the first minute only. Ivan Perisic hit a shot from the edge of the box. However, his effort went wide of the right post. Then, in the 10th minute, Yannick Carrasco managed a shot with an aim to open the scoring. But, Croatia’s Marcelo Brozovic prevented him with a huge block.
But, in the 15th minute, Croatia got a penalty. But, in the 17th minute, VAR denied that decision after checking. After that, despite several chances from both teams, the first half ended 0-0. In the second half, Romelu Lukakau came off the bench and he made an instant impact. In the 60th minute, the goal-post denied him while his header went above the bar by a small margin in the 62nd minute. However, the match ended 0-0 and Croatia qualified for the next round.
Canada vs Morocco
Morocco looked more determined from the start of the game as they came up with more attacking threats than Canada. In the fourth minute, Hakim Ziyech provided the much-needed lead to his country. Then, Achraf Hakimi came up with an assist in the 23rd minute as Youssef En-Nesyri scored the second goal for Morocco.
But, in the 40th minute, Canada got a goal back, thanks to Morocco’s Nayef Aguerd’s own goal. However, the first half ended 2-1. In the second half, Davies missed a chance in the 58th minute as the effort went far off the right post. Then, in the 71st minute, Alistair Johnston tried to score the equalizer for Canada. But, his effort went above the bar. Finally, Morocco defeated Canada 2-1 and qualified for the next round for the first time in their history.
