Morocco go through as group winners

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Morocco have qualified for the World Cup last-16 for the first time in 30 years after overcoming Canada.

Two goals in the first half set Walid Regragui’s men on their way with the first coming from a gift courtesy of Canada goalkeeper Milan Borjan.

Alistair Johnston’s under-hit back-pass meant Borjan had to come out of the box to claim the ball and his heavy touch left himself stranded 30 yards out and presented Hakim Ziyech with the chance to loft the ball into an empty net.

Youssef En-Nesyri doubled that advantage in the 23rd minute after running on to Achraf Hakimi’s long-ball over the top and smashing it past Borjan at his near post.

Canada got themselves back into it just before half-time when Nayef Aguerd turned Sam Adekugbe’s low cross past Bono and into his own net – the 100th goal scored at this World Cup.

John Herdman’s side pressed for an equaliser in the second half and he will be wondering how his team didn’t score in the 72nd minute.

Atiba Hutchinson’s header came back off the crossbar and bounced on to the goal-line before Johnston turned the rebound over.

But Morocco held on and progress into the knockout round as group winners.