Morocco could face Netherlands in World Cup knockouts after thriller against Haiti

Get free access to the most comprehensive World Cup coverage in The Athletic app

Morocco had to overcome a spirited performance from Haiti to win a compelling game 4-2 and secure their passage into the knockouts. The result meant the North African side finished runners-up in Group C behind Brazil and will now travel to Monterrey in Mexico for their round-of-32 game on Monday, June 29. According to The Athletic’s bracket forecast tool, their most likely opponents are the Netherlands.

In a frenetic start to the game at a raucous Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Haiti stunned Morocco after 10 minutes. Right-back Jean-Kevin Duverne did brilliantly to beat his man and send in a low cross that Lenny Joseph tried to flick into the net, the ball going in off Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou for an own goal.

With half-time approaching, Morocco equalised when captain Achraf Hakimi bundled in from close range only for Haiti to reclaim the lead through a superb Wilson Isidor strike from the edge of the box.

The lead lasted all of three minutes. Hakimi was involved again, racing down the right and playing the ball across the box. Brahim Diaz dummied and Ismael Saibari finished crisply, his third of the tournament.

Morocco finally took the lead in the game with 12 minutes left, Sofiane Rahimi scoring via a deflection after Haiti failed to clear a corner. Then Morocco claimed a controversial fourth, as Gessime Yassine converted Rahimi’s pass, but Haiti were convinced the ball had gone out in the build-up. After a lengthy VAR break, the goal was given.

The Athletic’s Amy Lawrence and Felipe Cardenas dissect the key talking points.

What does this mean for Group C and who they face in the knockouts?

As winners of Group C, Brazil will face the runners-up in Group F in Houston on Monday, with Japan the most likely opponents according to The Athletic’s projection tool.

The Netherlands top that group at present with four points, the same as Japan, and play Tunisia, who have already been eliminated in the final group round on Thursday. Sweden must beat Japan to finish second.

Morocco finished second in Group C and will play the winners of Group F (most likely the Netherlands) in Monterrey on Monday, June 29.

Haiti were eliminated after losing their opening two games, while Scotland must hope their three points is enough to advance as one of the best third-place teams.

If Scotland make it through, they are most likely to play Mexico in Mexico City on June 30 but that will become clearer over the coming days — you can track how it changes here.

Why can’t all World Cup games be like this?

Sometimes, sport at its most illogical, its most devil-may-care, throws up performances that it is best to just sit back and relish.

The seventh-highest ranking team in the world against the 83rd (and second-lowest out of all the nations in this competition) might have been a very different affair. But thanks to Haiti’s determination to leave an entertaining mark on this tournament, and Morocco’s shocked need to respond, the crowd were treated to a topsy-turvy fiesta of football.

It is not often that a supporter of one team signals their pure admiration for the sublime skill of an opponent. That is exactly what happened after Wilson Isidor took the breath away with a swipe of his right foot to send a ferocious, bending, goal-of-the-tournament contender past Yassine Bounou.

A Moroccan in the crowd couldn’t help but shake his hands to signify that the goal was sorcery. It felt fitting, really, as a symbol of a contest where everyone was hellbent on attacking with wild abandon.

The knock-outs may well bring more caution to this World Cup, but Haiti set the tone with a mission to go for it and express themselves. Morocco seemed surprised at first, perhaps a little complacent with it, but they had no option but to react by pushing forward themselves. In a fun and frenetic first half, they traded goals. Haiti’s first was well constructed.

Hakimi bundled in an equaliser. Then Isidor brought the house down. Back came Morocco and Hakimi’s typically dangerous cross was swept in by a man enjoying this World Cup to the full in Ismael Saibari.

Eventually, the favourites got themselves in front with a smart shot on the turn from Rahimi. Then the scoreline was made more flattering as Yassine tapped into an empty net.

After a more challenging match than they ever imagined, Morocco have food for thought to take into the knock-outs. Haiti go home deserving of flowers.

Amy Lawrence

Could Morocco vs. Netherlands be the tie of the last 32?

Morocco entered the World Cup as a contender. A semi-final run in Qatar four years ago established them side as a force in world football. To repeat that feat, Morocco will most likely have to get past the Netherlands. The Dutch are among the strongest teams thus far, and one that most would rather avoid.

Group C and Group F were always on a collision course in the round of 32. There was never going to be a favourable draw as Japan has looked capable of making a historic run. It’s an interesting debate to determine which team might have the more difficult draw. Brazil vs. Japan would be a mouth-watering clash. The Netherlands facing Morocco would set hearts racing, considering that a very good team would go home much earlier than expected.

If Morocco wants to shake the dark horse label and move from contender to World Cup heavyweight, the first step may well require a win over one of the tournament’s most iconic sides.

Felipe Cardenas

Haiti bow out in style

When the 48-team field was confirmed for this World Cup, Haiti was one of the nations considered inferior to the tournament’s standards. The country’s geopolitical reputation overshadowed the positive strides in Haitian football. And when the Trump administration imposed a suspension of entry into the U.S for most Haitian nationals, those headlines buried the Caribbean side’s return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974.

The expectation at this World Cup for Haiti was a quick exit. Instead, they battled to a 1-0 loss against Scotland, unlucky to walk away without a point. Haiti showed resilience in a 3-0 defeat by Brazil, making the five-time world champions work for every goal. And Morocco were forced to equalise twice on Wednesday before going on to win 4-2.

More importantly, Haitian fans also brought the party to Boston, Philadelphia and Atlanta. The curtain has closed on Haiti, but they will be remembered.

Felipe Cardenas

Click here to read article