Canada advances in FIFA World Cup Round of 16 despite Morocco loss at home watch party
Morocco defeated Canada 3-0 Friday night at a fan park beside Rogers Place in downtown Edmonton, where supporters of both nations gathered to watch the match.
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Morocco advanced past Canada with a 3-0 victory in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup on Friday, July 3, ending Canada's run at the tournament.
Thousands of Edmontonians gathered at a fan park adjacent to Rogers Place to watch the match, with the crowd almost evenly split between Moroccan and Canadian supporters. Though both sides cheered loudly, only the Moroccan contingent brought a dance party atmosphere.
Canada was the stronger side in the first half, controlling play and creating chances. But Morocco found their breakthrough early in the second half and scored two more goals to secure the victory.
Stephen Eustáquio, wearing the captain's armband in place of injured Alphonso Davies, said after the match that he was proud of the team's effort. "I think everybody back home should be very proud," the Leamington, Ontario native told TSN. "We fought and they gave everything they had."
Eustáquio scored Canada's signature moment in the tournament — a goal in the Round of 32 against South Africa. He added that reaching the Round of 16 was historic for the country's men's program, which nine years ago was ranked 120th in the world. "We're finally a soccer country," he said, calling for continued support through the next four-year cycle until the 2030 World Cup.
