Belgium suffered an unexpected defeat as Morocco reached the top of the Group F table.
Morocco defeated Belgium 2-0 in their World Cup game on Sunday. An impressive performance from the African giants dealt a massive blow to Belgium’s qualification chances.
Group F to have a nail-biting final day!
Similar to their narrow win over Canada, Belgium started the game by trying to control the possession.
However, their passes in the first half rarely turned into goalscoring chances. Morocco maintained their defensive integrity while pushing for the opener through counter-attacks.
The Atlas Lions thought they had clinched the opener through Hakim Ziyech just before the half-time whistle. But VAR ruled out the goal for a very close offside.
Belgium’s underwhelming performance continued throughout the second period. Morocco effectively closed down spaces in midfield, forcing Roberto Martinez to make a few changes after the hour mark.
The Red Devils looked more dynamic in midfield when after the arrival of Dries Mertens. But it was Morocco’s substitutions which decided the game.
Abdelhamid Sabiri, who replaced Selim Amallah, opened the scoring for Morocco with a fantastic free-kick in the 73rd minute.
Belgium then went all-in with their attacks in the final ten minutes, giving away more space for Morocco’s deadly counter-attacks.
Following a quick run and assist from Ziyech, Zakaria Aboukhlal smashed the ball past Thibaut Courtois with a powerful finish.
The 2-0 win sends Morocco to the top of the Group F table ahead of the final matchday. Belgium will need to avoid defeat against Croatia to keep their last-16 hopes alive on Thursday.
Player Ratings
Belgium: Courtois (4), Meunier (6), Vertonghen (7), Alderweireld (6), Castagne (6), Witsel (6), Onana (5), T. Hazard (7), De Bruyne (6), E. Hazard (5), Batshuayi (5).
Bench: Tielemans (6), Trossard (5), De Ketelaere (5), Mertens (7), Lukaku (5).
Morocco: Bounou (7), Hakimi (7), Aguerd (7), Saiss (7), Mazraoui (7), Amrabat (6), Ounahi (6), Amallah (6), Ziyech (8), En Nesyri (6), Boufal (7).
Bench: Attiyat Allah (6), El Yamiq (6), Sabiri (7), Aboukhlal (7), Hamdallah (6).
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