Morocco face Canada at Houston Stadium on Saturday evening in the World Cup round of 16, with a place in the quarter-finals against Paraguay or France on the line.
Mohamed Ouahbi's side beat the Netherlands on penalties after a dramatic last-32 tie, Issa Diop heading in a 91st-minute equaliser before the Atlas Lions won the shootout 3–2.
Morocco are unbeaten in nine consecutive competitive matches, concede very little, and have a squad packed with Premier League and European quality. Canada are the underdogs. Morocco have won three of the four previous meetings between the sides.
Ouahbi is expected to have a fully-fit squad available for the round of 16. The one fitness concern from the Netherlands match has been resolved. Chadi Riad was substituted at 75 minutes after a knock but made a rapid return to full training and is expected to start at centre-back alongside Issa Diop. Redouane Halhal and Marwane Saadane remain available as defensive cover should Riad face any late setback.
Ismael Saibari starts up front. The 25-year-old, who signed for Bayern Munich in the days immediately following the Netherlands victory, scored three goals in Morocco's group-stage campaign and added the winning penalty in the shootout. His movement, finishing and set-piece delivery have been central to everything Morocco have done in attack.
Mohamed Ouahbi's side beat the Netherlands on penalties after a dramatic last-32 tie, Issa Diop heading in a 91st-minute equaliser before the Atlas Lions won the shootout 3–2.
Morocco are unbeaten in nine consecutive competitive matches, concede very little, and have a squad packed with Premier League and European quality. Canada are the underdogs. Morocco have won three of the four previous meetings between the sides.
Ouahbi is expected to have a fully-fit squad available for the round of 16. The one fitness concern from the Netherlands match has been resolved. Chadi Riad was substituted at 75 minutes after a knock but made a rapid return to full training and is expected to start at centre-back alongside Issa Diop. Redouane Halhal and Marwane Saadane remain available as defensive cover should Riad face any late setback.
Ismael Saibari starts up front. The 25-year-old, who signed for Bayern Munich in the days immediately following the Netherlands victory, scored three goals in Morocco's group-stage campaign and added the winning penalty in the shootout. His movement, finishing and set-piece delivery have been central to everything Morocco have done in attack.
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