Preview: World Cup co-hosts Canada seek to shock Morocco with first win in last 16 | OneFootball

Co-hosts Canada are looking to reach the quarter finals of the World Cup for the first time as they take on Morocco in Houston.

Jesse Marsch’s side were tipped in many quarters to be a surprise package having been drawn in a kind group alongside Switzerland, Bosnia and Qatar. So far, they have lived up to that billing, by qualifying second behind only Switzerland, and beating South Africa in the Round of 32.

But Morocco will be an entirely different proposition. The North Africans are widely seen as dark horses after following up their run to the semi-finals in 2022 by making the African Cup of Nations final earlier this year, and achieving a record 19-match winning streak.

To make matters even more ominous for Canada the Atlas Lions also have a superior head to head record, having won both of these nation’s previous two tussles – including their most recent clash at the 2022 World Cup.

And like in that last 32 encounter against Bafana Bafana, Les Rouges will be shorn of the home advantage which carried them through the group phase.

The Canucks will, however, take heart from Scotland’s performance against Mohamed Ouahbi’s men. Although they suffered a 1-0 defeat, and ultimately exited this year’s competition in the group stage, Steve Clarke’s side pushed the Atlas Lions all the way and had chances to snatch a leveller.

And as Haiti showed in their 4-2 defeat against the African giants, this is a side which can be vulnerable defensively against teams who have a go.

Something which the Canadians showed they are more than capable of in their opening three matches, including the 6-0 gameweek two thrashing of Qatar.

If Les Rouges are to go one better than both countries – not to mention their own previous efforts – then Jonathan David will be crucial.

The Juventus forward netted a sensational hat trick in that Qatari clash, and is viewed as the lynchpin of his side’s attack despite enduring an otherwise inconsistent tournament so far.

Promise David may also be due a starting berth following a series of promising substitute displays, which included assisting Cyle Larin’s equaliser against Bosnia on matchday one and snatching the round of 32 winner against South Africa.

Stephen Eustaquio and Derek Cornelius can also be assured of featuring after putting in strong shifts of their own against the 2010 hosts.

On the flipside, Tanitowula Oluwaseyi will be fortunate to retain his place after missing a big chance in that game and failing to make his mark in this year’s event.

And star midfielder Ismael Kone remains out after suffering a broken leg against Qatar, in what could yet prove to be a huge loss for Canuck hopes of producing fireworks on their neighbours’ Independence Day.

Unlike their opponents Morocco have no fresh injury concerns, and are expected to keep the same lineup which triumphed over the Netherlands on penalties in the previous round.

This will mean top scorer and new Bayern Munich signing Ismael Saibari retains his place up front, with Brahim Diaz supporting on the right.

Azzedine Ounahi will likely start in the number 10 role, with his captain Achraf Hakimi as well as last 32 hero Issa Diop both present at the back.

Canada’s clash with Morocco kicks off at 18:00 (BST) on Saturday, with live coverage on ITV1 and ITVX, as well as STV and STV Player in Scotland and RTE2/RTE Player for viewers in Ireland.

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