Canada
The Canucks have enjoyed a wonderful campaign so far with the nation fully behind them. They began with a nervy 1-1 draw with Bosnia thanks to a late Cyle Larin equaliser off the bench. They followed that up with a 6-0 win over Qatar but suffered a blow with Ismael Kone missing the rest of the tournament with a broken leg.
They entered Matchday 3 knowing that avoiding defeat would mean they would play a potential last 32 & last 16 tie in their home country but they were beaten by a well organised Swiss team who ran out 2-1 winners.
They were on the road to Los Angeles for the last 32 game vs South Africa and for long periods were frustrated by Bafana Bafana but found a winner in Injury time through Porto midfielder Stephen Eustaquio to set up this last 16 tie with Morocco.
Injuries & Team News
The Major decision that Jesse Marsch will need to make is regarding Alphonso Davies, the Bayern Munich superstar made a 15 minute cameo appearance vs South Africa in the round of 32, the decision now is do they risk starting him or just give him longer off the bench, i think he will hold him back.
Marsch refused to rule out Davies but with the form of Richie Laryea in this world cup so far the safest option could be to continue with him.
There are no other issues for The Canucks other than long term absentee Ismael Kone.
Another selection dilemma will be who partners Jonathan David up front, Tani Oluwasey got the nod against South Africa but he has rotated between him and Cyle Larin.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 1-0 vs South Africa | W D D W L W |
Predicted Line-Up
Canada possible starting lineup:
Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Laryea; Buchanan, Saliba, Eustaquio, Shaffelburg; David, Oluwaseyi
Morocco
Morocco enjoyed a brilliant run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and they have been on an upward trajectory ever since, culminating in victory in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in January this year on Home Soil, although it is still shrouded in controversy.
They have performed really well at this world cup also, they held Brazil to a 1-1 draw in the opening match and secured a 1-0 win over Scotland on Matchday 2 with Ismael Saibari scoring in both games. They made hard work off seeing off minnows Haiti in the final group game eventually winning the game 4-2.
Finishing second in the group gave them arguably the hardest game of the last 16 against The Netherlands and they looked to be heading home until Issa Diop scored in Injury time to take the game to Extra Time and the Penalities.They came through the shootout out with Bonou Excelling in goal.
Injuries & Team News
Morocco will be sweating on the fitness of Crystal Palace centre back Chadi Riad who was taken off against The Netherlands but reports from the Morocco camp suggest it was not serious and he is in contention to keep his place in the starting side.
Should he not make it then Redouane Halhal or Marwane Saadane will replace him.
Ismael Saibari is now a Bayern Munich player after his big money move from PSV and with his confidence sky high he will be the man Morocco will look to fire them in to the last 8.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 1-1 vs Netherlands | W D D W W D |
Predicted Line-Up
Morocco possible starting lineup:
Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi; Diaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Saibari
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Win | 4/1 – (5.00) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 5/2 – (3.50) | Dream Vegas |
| Morocco Win | 5/6 – (1.91) | 247Bet |
Prediction
Canada 0-2 Morocco
Canada have done really well at this world cup and making it out of the group stage was an achievement but they have not played a top side yet, that changes in Houston and Morocco have already shown what a good side they are and they will simply be too good for Canada.