Morocco v Haiti
Play By Play
It is all over here at the Atlanta Stadium, as Morocco survive multiple scares to defeat eliminated Haiti 4-2, and qualify for the Round of 32. Haiti took the lead inside the opening 10 minutes, when Joseph found space in the six-yard box, before his effort ended in the back of the net but given as a Bounou own-goal. Hakimi equalised for Morocco, as he bundled the ball in after Placide’s poor stop, before Isidor put Haiti back ahead. His strike was arguably the goal of the tournament so far, with his shot flying straight into the top-left corner from outside the box. Less than two minutes later, Saibari made it three in three, as he equalised with a clever finish. It took until the 78th minute for Morocco to finally take the lead, when Rahimi controlled the ball from a corner, before firing past Placide, with some help from a deflection. In the dying minutes, Yassine made it 4-2. Rahimi done brilliantly to keep the ball in play, before unselfishly teeing up Yassine and secure the three points. Despite Haiti’s attempts, Morocco certainly deserved to win the match, accumulating 3.26 xG compared to Haiti’s 0.66 xG. That is now the end of Haiti’s second World Cup, but it is only the beginning for Morocco, who have finished second in Group C, and will face the winners of Group F, a group in which the Netherlands currently lead. Thank you all for tuning into a modern-day classic, have a great day wherever you are!
FULL-TIME: MOROCCO 4-2 HAITI
Amrabat makes his way off as Haiti get us back underway.
We have a late stop in play, with Amrabat down with a head injury.
BRILLIANT EFFORT FROM NAZON! What a strike, as he arrows the free-kick on target, forcing Bounou into a strong diving stop. Great strike, equally great stop!
Haiti have won a free-kick on the edge of the box, after Nazon goes down. Chance for late drama...
There will be a minimum of five minutes of added time. Expect that to rise to at least seven.
GOAL GIVEN! After a VAR check, the referee announces that the goal has been given, with the Moroccan’s going crazy with their celebrations!
Great persistence from Rahimi, who kept going to keep the ball in play!
GOOOOAAAAALLLLL!!!!! GAME OVER!!!!! MOROCCO SCORE A FOURTH!!!!! Yassine taps into the back of an empty net after being found at the back post by Rahimi. It may be disallowed, with the ball possibly going out of play before Rahimi’s cross. If not, then it is 4-2 to Morocco!
We could be in for a cracking end to the match, as both teams may as well keep pushing forwards. Haiti trying to get an equaliser, whilst Morocco could catch them out on the break.
Joseph, who thought he scored Haiti’s first tonight, makes way for Pierrot.
El Mourabet is on for the remainder, with El Aynaoui sacrificed.
Mazraoui comes on for Salah-Eddine, who had a strong performance for Morocco.
Simon is also introduced, as Jacques' World Cup is over.
Simon is also introduced, as Jacques' World Cup is over.
Double change from Haiti in response to going behind. Duverne makes way for Arcus.
An assist for Riad, who finds his teammate with a flick at the front post.
GOOOOAAAAAAALLLLL!!!!! MOROCCO LEAD FOR THE FIRST TIME TONIGHT!!!!!!! SUBSTITUTE RAHIMI WITH THE GOAL!!!!! It was certainly coming since the break. Riad flicks on at the front post, before Rahimi takes a touch, before striking a vicious effort into the top corner, with a flick off Ade on the way. Morocco now 3-2 up!
It has been a tamer second half than the first. We saw four goals in the opening 45 minutes – we have seen just four shots since the break. Hakimi has just had a quick fire double, a free-kick being blocked before the rebound has the same fate.
Morocco have recorded eight shots on target against Haiti, just one shy of their record in a single World Cup match, which currently is the nine they managed against Saudi Arabia in 1994.
One positive of the hydration breaks are the music that is played. Many fans in the crowd have just had a good sing-along to ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’...
Saibari also departs, after netting his third of the tournament. On in his place is Rahimi.
El Kaabi also makes way, as Yassine comes on in his place.
