It’s gameday: Previewing CanMNT vs. Morocco | The GIST

The GIST: Before the fun kicks off in Houston, Texas, let’s revisit Canada’s Round of 32 win against South Africa.

🥲 Vice-captain Stephen Eustáquio (pronounced oh-STACK-ee-oh) etches his name in Canada soccer history: Head coach Jesse Marsch promised aggressive soccer from the start on Sunday, and CanMNT kind of delivered. Despite some stellar chances, they failed to finish in the first half. The second-half hydration break, however, was yet again a major turning point for the Canadians.

• In the 75th minute, superstar Alphonso Davies took the field for the first time this tourney, with the captain immediately making an impact.

• Most importantly, the magnetic Davies drew attention to the edges of the field during stoppage time, leaving just enough space for Eustáquio to score the most important goal in Canada men’s soccer history in the 92nd minute.

👀 Was this CanMNT’s best showing at this WC? Absolutely not. The attack was far from clinical, and the lads squandered multiple opportunities to put the game away. That said, a few players stood out and will be counted on for a repeat performance against a far stronger opponent today.

• 🔴 Stephen Eustáquio | Midfielder: Eustáquio is obviously clutch in major moments, but Canada’s general shines brightest when he’s setting up major plays in the attacking third.

• ⚪ Richie Laryea | Left back: Don’t let his defensive position fool you — Laryea’s very strong offensively and can be counted on for precision passes.

• ⚫ Alphonso Davies | Defender: Will the recovering (hamstring) Davies see more than 15 minutes of this WC? Given the captain’s contribution on Monday, we hope so. After all, it’s not about how long you play — it’s what you do in those minutes that matters.

The GIST: Morocco, a 2022 WC semifinalist, earned their spot in the Round of 16 in the most dramatic fashion soccer has to offer: a penalty shootout. Here’s how it went down on Monday and what Canada can learn from The Atlas Lions’ dub.

✨ Morocco victorious in chaotic match over perennial giant Netherlands: Morocco controlled the tempo of the physical (and bloody) game from the very start, relentlessly creating goal-scoring opportunities, but the Dutch counterattack struck gold first, taking a 1–0 lead in the 72nd minute.

• However, Morocco did not bow down: Center back Issa Diop equalized in the 91st, with the 1–1 score remaining through extra time.

• Both teams traded missed shots and made jaw-dropping saves through the first five penalties before Morocco’s Ismael Saibari buried the winner, knocking the Netherlands out via penalties for the third straight WC.

👀 PK’s aside, here are a few players that could cause trouble for Canada:

• 🔴 Yassine Bounou | Goalkeeper: Bounou was the unsung hero of Monday’s win, making the game-changing penalty save that set up Saibari to win the match.