Canada take on Morocco in the first match of the last-16 as they look to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the very first time.
Jesse Marsch and his ‘Canadian heroes’ have already made history by reaching the last-16 thanks to a 1-0 victory over South Africa last Sunday. Stephen Eustaquio scored the decisive goal in the 92nd minute to send Canada through and there are positive signs that they can impress in Houston today.
But, Morocco are full of confidence having come through a group that included Brazil before defeating the Netherlands in a penalty shootout during the round of 32. That was a dramatic turnaround as well after Issa Diop cancelled out Cody Gakpo’s strike to send the game to extra time.
The Atlas Lions held their nerve in the shootout to advance but how will they fare against the co-hosts?
Follow all the updates from Canada v Morocco with our live blog:
Morocco’s early team news
Chadi Riad was forced off for Morocco against the Netherlands but is in line to start.
There are no injury concerns.
Predicted Morocco XI: Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi; Diaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Saibari.
Canada’s early team news
Alphonso Davies was able to feature off the bench for Canada in their round of 16 tie, and could press for increased involvement here.
It may be that he is kept to an impact role as a substitute after real injury woe in the last couple of years.
Predicted Canada XI: Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Laryea; Buchanan, Saliba, Eustaquio, Shaffelburg; David, Oluwaseyi.
Who will the winner face next?
It will be France or Paraguay next up for the successful side.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on ITV1, with coverage from 5.15pm BST on the channel. A live stream will be available via ITVX.
When is Canada vs Morocco?
Canada vs Morocco is due to kick off at 6pm BST on Saturday 4 July at the Houston Stadium.
Canada v Morocco
The World Cup round of 16 begins with co-hosts Canada taking on a Morocco side eyeing another deep tournament run.
Semi-finalists four years ago, the north African nation are building well again after coming through a nerve-jangling penalty shootout with the Netherlands in the last round.
Things were tense, too, for Canada, with a 1-0 win over South Africa hard earned and only secured in stoppage time thanks to Stephen Eustaquio’s goal.
Can they keep their run going and set up a quarter-final against France or Paraguay?
Good afternoon!
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of today’s World Cup action as the round of 16 begins.
Co-hosts Canada take on Morocco in the first match in what should be a fascinating encounter to determine if Jesse Marsch’s men can compete with the African champions.
We’ll have all the team news and updates throughout the afternoon so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 6pm.
