World Cup co-hosts Canada have made it all the way through to the last-16 after a dramatic late winner against South Africa in their first knockout match.
Head coach Jesse Marsch is now the first man to not only win a World Cup match in charge of Les Rouges, but also to lead them into the knockout stages.
Morocco are up next, with the Atlas Lions looked down and out against the Netherlands before a last-gasp equaliser from Issa Diop sent the game to extra-time.
The Moroccans eventually won 3-2 on penalties, being rewarded with a clash against the co-hosts in the last 16.
We’ve analysed the stats and browsed the World Cup betting markets for a Bet Builder for this match which pays out at 5/1 should it come in.
Canada v Morocco Bet Builder Tips
Morocco to win @ 8/11
Both teams to score @ 21/20
Ismael Saibari to score anytime @ 6/4
Pays out at 5/1
Moroccan aim to repeat 2022 run
Morocco became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup in Qatar four years ago.
Now, Mohamed Ouahbi is hoping to lead his side to that stage again, although Canada must be dealt with first.
Two draws and two wins so far during the World Cup has the Atlas Lions simmering away nicely, but the tournament co-hosts could pose a challenge, especially if they start off well.
It has been nearly a year since Morocco last suffered defeat and against Brazil Ouahbi’s side were excellent in spells, while they showed plenty of bottle to defeat the Netherlands on penalties.
These two teams have met twice before, with Morocco winning both games. Indeed, the previous match-up came during the 2022 World Cup, when the Atlas Lions won 2-1 on their way to topping the group.
Leg 1: Morocco to win @ 8/11
Expect goals to flow in Houston
Both teams have scored in two of Canada’s four World Cup matches this summer, while for Morocco three of their four matches have seen both teams find the back of the net.
Much will depend on how aggressive Canada will be during this tie. Marsch’s side did manage 12 shots against South Africa, yet it took a late goal from Stephen Eustaquio to seal the win.
The Canadians will have to improve should they wish to reach the quarter-finals, so expect them to offer more in the final third.
The Canucks have scored in every game so far, netting nine goals in total. Morocco have scored seven goals across their four matches, so backing both teams to score looks like a solid bet for this clash.
Leg 2: Both teams to score @ 21/20
Saibari to be the hero once again
Ismael Saibari scored in each of Morocco’s three group games, while also netting the winning penalty in the shootout against the Oranje.
As such, confidence will be at an all-time high for the forward and he will be eager to add to his three goals in this clash against Canada.
The PSV Eindhoven star has five goals in his last six games for the Atlas Lions and, with a World Cup quarter-final place up for grabs, back him to get on the scoresheet once again.
Leg 3: Ismael Saibari to score anytime @ 6/4
