Morocco could face Netherlands in World Cup knockouts after thriller against Haiti
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Morocco had to overcome a spirited performance from Haiti to win a compelling game 4-2 and secure their passage into the knockout round. The result meant the North African side finished runners-up in Group C behind Brazil and will now travel to Monterrey in Mexico for their round of 32 game on Monday June 29. According to The Athletic’s bracket forecast tool, their most likely opponents are the Netherlands.
In a frenetic start to the game at a raucous Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Haiti stunned Morocco after 10 minutes. Right-back Jean-Kevin Duverne did brilliantly to beat his man and send in a low cross that Lenny Joseph tried to flick into the net, the ball going in off Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou for an own goal.
With half-time approaching Morocco equalised when captain Achraf Hakimi bundled in from close range only for Haiti to reclaim the lead through a superb Wilson Isidor strike form the edge of the box.
The lead lasted all of three minutes. Hakimi was involved again, racing down the right and playing the ball across the box. Brahim Diaz dummied and Ismael Saibari finished crisply, his third of the tournament.
Morocco finally took the lead in the game with 12 minutes left, Sofiane Rahimi scoring via a deflection after Haiti failed to clear a corner. Then Morocco claimed a controversial fourth, as Gessime Yassine converted Rahimi’s pass, but Haiti were convinced the ball had gone out in the build up. After a lengthy VAR break the goal was given.
The Athletic’s Amy Lawrence and Felipe Cardenas dissect the key talking points.
What does this mean for Group C and who they face in the knockouts?
As winners of group C, Brazil will face the runners up in group F in Houston on Monday, June 29, with Japan the most likely opponents according to The Athletic’s projection tool.
Netherlands top that group at present with four points, the same as Japan, and play Tunisia, who have already been eliminated in the final group round on Thursday. Sweden must beat Japan to finish second.
Morocco finished second in group C and will play the winners of group F (most likely Netherlands) in Monterrey on Monday, June 29.
Haiti were eliminated after losing their opening two games, while Scotland must hope their three points is enough to advance as one of the best third-place teams.
If Scotland make it through they are most likely to place Mexico in Mexico City on June 30 but that will become clearer over the coming days and you can track how it changes here.
Why can’t all World Cup games be like this?
Sometimes sport at its most illogical, its most devil-may-care, throws up performances that it is best to just sit back and relish.
The seventh-highest ranking team in the world against the 83rd (and second lowest out of all the nations in this competition) might have been a very different affair. But thanks to Haiti’s determination to leave an entertaining mark on this tournament, and Morocco’s shocked need to respond, the crowd were treated to a topsy-turvy fiesta of football.
It is not often that a supporter gestures their pure admiration to recognise the sublime skill scored by an opponent. That is exactly what happened after Wilson Isidor took the breath away with a swipe of his right foot to send a ferocious, bending, goal-of-the-tournament contender past Yassine Bounou.
A Moroccan in the crowd couldn’t help but shake his hands to signify that the goal was sorcery. It felt fitting, really, as a symbol of a contest where everyone was hellbent on attacking with wild abandon.
Wilson Isidor scoring his spectacular first-half goal (Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
The knock-outs may well bring more caution to this World Cup, but Haiti set the tone with a mission to go for it and express themselves. Morocco seemed surprised at first, perhaps a little complacent with it, but they had no option but to react by pushing forwards themselves. In a fun and frenetic first half they traded goals. Haiti’s first was well constructed.
Achraf Hakimi bundled in an equaliser. Then Isidor brought the house down. Back came Morocco and Hakimi’s typically dangerous cross was swept in by a man enjoying this World Cup to the full in Ismael Saibari.
Eventually the favourites got themselves in front with a smart shot on the turn from Sofiane Rahimi. Then the scoreline was made more flattering as Gessime Yassine tapped into an empty net.
After a more challenging match than they ever imagined Morocco have food for thought to take into the knock-outs. Haiti go home deserving of flowers.
Amy Lawrence
Could Morocco v Netherlands be tie of the next round?
Morocco entered the World Cup as a contender. A semi-final run in Qatar in 2022 established the African side as a force in world football. To repeat that feat Morocco will most likely have to get past the Netherlands. The Dutch are among the strongest teams thus far, and one that most sides would rather avoid.
Group C and Group F were always on a collision course in the round of 32. There was never going to be a favorable draw as Japan has looked capable of making a historic run. It’s an interesting debate to determine which team might have the more difficult draw. Brazil versus Japan would be a mouth-watering clash. The Netherlands facing Morocco puts a pit in one’s stomach, considering that a very good football team would go home much earlier than expected.
If Morocco wants to shake the dark horse label and move from contender to World Cup heavyweight, the first step may well require a win over one of the tournament’s most iconic sides.
Felipe Cardenas
Haiti bow out in style
When the 48-team field was confirmed for this World Cup, Haiti was one of the nations considered inferior to the tournament’s standards. The country’s geopolitical reputation overshadowed the positive strides in Haitian football. And when the Trump administration imposed a suspension of entry into the U.S for most Haitian nationals, those headlines buried Haiti’s return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974.
The expectation at this World Cup for Haiti was a quick exit. Instead, they battled to a 1-0 loss against Scotland, unlucky to walk away without a point. Haiti showed resilience in a 3-0 loss to Brazil, making the five-time world champions work for every goal. And Morocco was forced to equalize twice on Wednesday. FINAL SCORE HERE
Haiti fans brought the noise in Atlanta (Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
More importantly, Haitian fans also brought the party to Boston, Philadelphia and Atlanta. The curtain has closed on Haiti, but the Caribbean nation will be remembered more fondly than expected.
Felipe Cardenas