Morocco’s players credited their unity and halftime adjustments for overcoming a difficult opening period before beating Canada 3-0 and advancing to the World Cup quarterfinals.
Midfielder Neil El Aynaoui acknowledged that Morocco had not started the match well and said Canada’s intensity created significant problems during the first half.
“We analysed what happened in the first half and found the solutions,” El Aynaoui told Moroccan broadcaster Arryadia, adding that the squad’s collective spirit had been built over several years rather than during this tournament alone.
Defender Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal also said Morocco had expected a demanding match after repeated warnings from coach Mohamed Ouahbi that no opponent at the World Cup could be treated lightly.
Morocco improved after the break and punished Canada with three unanswered goals. Azzedine Ounahi scored twice before Soufiane Rahimi completed the victory in stoppage time.
Ounahi said the players responded effectively to the instructions given at halftime and described the squad as a complete unit.
The midfielder, named man of the match, said scoring his first World Cup goals was secondary to seeing Moroccans celebrate, adding that the team remained determined to go as far as possible.
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