Canada’s World Cup ends with loss to Morocco

Canada’s first appearance in the World Cup in 36 years ended Thursday with a third loss in as many games.

The Canadians fell 2-1 to Morocco to wrap up the men’s soccer tournament in Qatar. Canada also lost to Belgium and Croatia in the group stage and didn’t advance to the knockout stage.

Canada had qualified for the tournament just once before, in 1986. That year, the Canadians were shut out in all three of their games.

On Thursday, Morocco scored in the fourth minute after Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borjan ventured far out of his net to play the ball. Borjan’s clearance went right to Hakim Ziyech, who fired the ball into the empty net.

The Moroccans doubled their lead in the 23rd minute when Youssef En-Nesyri made a run down the middle, split two defenders and beat Borjan.

Canada got on the board in the 40th minute, when Morocco defender Nayef Aguerd deflected a cross from Canada’s Sam Adekugbe past keeper Yassine Bounou.

The first half ended 2-1. Canada had just two shots in the first half, but neither was on target. Two of Morocco’s six shots were on goal.

The Canadians had a chance to tie the game in the 71st minute, but Atiba Hutchinson’s header hit the crossbar and didn’t cross the line. That was Canada’s best chance at an equalizer.

Canada had three shots in the second half, but none was one target. The Moroccans didn’t have a shot in the second half.

The group stage of the tournament wraps up Friday. The round of 16 begins Saturday.