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Matchday 8 Live Blog: Spain v Germany, Croatia eliminates Canada, Morocco & Costa Rica triumph
Join us for Matchday 8 as we bring you the key moments and highlights from today's FIFA World Cup fixtures.
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Updated
By SBS Sport
Source: SBS
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First half starts and Canada score almost immediately!
2' - Davies scores after 68 seconds!
The match gets underway and only a minute later Alphonso Davies pops up to head home Canada's first ever World Cup goal and give them a 1-0 lead over Croatia!
Incredible start for Canada!
The match gets underway and only a minute later Alphonso Davies pops up to head home Canada's first ever World Cup goal and give them a 1-0 lead over Croatia!
Incredible start for Canada!
Head to head: Croatia v Canada
· This will be the first encounter between Croatia and Canada.
· Croatia have a W6-D0-L2 record against CONCACAF opposition. This includes three matches at the World Cup (all group stage): a win versus Jamaica in 1998 (3-1) and defeats against Mexico in 2002 (1-0) and 2014 (3-1).
· Canada are unbeaten in each of their last 12 games against first-time opponents by an aggregate score of 43-9 (W8-D4-L0). The most recent of those was a 2-2 draw against Bahrain in a friendly match on 11 November.
· Canada are winless in their last 13 encounters with UEFA opposition (W0-D5-L8), including their 1-0 defeat against Belgium in their opener of this tournament. The run began after a 1-0 friendly win against Belarus in Antalya (Türkiye) on 29 March 2011.
· All of Canada's four World Cup matches were against UEFA opposition (W0-D0-L4).
· Josip Stanisic and Alphonso Davies (FC Bayern München) are club teammates who could be in opposition when Croatia face Canada.
Courtesy of Gracenote
· Croatia have a W6-D0-L2 record against CONCACAF opposition. This includes three matches at the World Cup (all group stage): a win versus Jamaica in 1998 (3-1) and defeats against Mexico in 2002 (1-0) and 2014 (3-1).
· Canada are unbeaten in each of their last 12 games against first-time opponents by an aggregate score of 43-9 (W8-D4-L0). The most recent of those was a 2-2 draw against Bahrain in a friendly match on 11 November.
· Canada are winless in their last 13 encounters with UEFA opposition (W0-D5-L8), including their 1-0 defeat against Belgium in their opener of this tournament. The run began after a 1-0 friendly win against Belarus in Antalya (Türkiye) on 29 March 2011.
· All of Canada's four World Cup matches were against UEFA opposition (W0-D0-L4).
· Josip Stanisic and Alphonso Davies (FC Bayern München) are club teammates who could be in opposition when Croatia face Canada.
Courtesy of Gracenote
Croatia Stats
· Croatia's opening match of this World Cup was a 0-0 draw against Morocco in Al Khor. Croatia recorded only five shots (including 2 on target), Morocco seven (also 2 on target).
· Croatia were eliminated from the group stage at all previous three World Cups they failed to win their opening match (2002, 2006, 2014). The Croatians only remained winless after two group stage matches in 2006 (1-0 defeat versus Brazil, 0-0 draw versus Japan).
· Croatia never lost their second group stage match at the World Cup (W4-D1-L0), only dropping points in a 0-0 draw against Japan in 2006.
· Croatia lost only one of their last 17 games (W11-D5-L1), a 3-0 Nations League home defeat against Austria in Osijek on 3 June.
· Croatia could fail to score in back-to-back matches for the first time since June 2021, when they suffered 1-0 defeats to Belgium (friendly) and England (EURO 2020 group stage).
· Croatia could record a 0-0 result in consecutive matches for the second time, after goalless friendly draws against Bulgaria and Slovenia respectively in February-March 2002.
· Luka Modric (156) is Croatia's all-time leading appearances maker, including playing a national record 13 World Cup matches for the country (2 goals, both scored in 2018).
· Davor Šuker (6), Mario Mandzukic (5) and Perišic (5) are the three players to have scored more than two World Cup goals for Croatia. Perišic has netted at a national joint-record two different World Cups, alongside Mandzukic and Ivica Olic.
· Perišic (32) is one goal shy of equalling Mandzukic (33) in joint-second place in Croatia's all-time leading goalscorers, behind only Šuker (45).
Courtesy of Gracenote
· Croatia were eliminated from the group stage at all previous three World Cups they failed to win their opening match (2002, 2006, 2014). The Croatians only remained winless after two group stage matches in 2006 (1-0 defeat versus Brazil, 0-0 draw versus Japan).
· Croatia never lost their second group stage match at the World Cup (W4-D1-L0), only dropping points in a 0-0 draw against Japan in 2006.
· Croatia lost only one of their last 17 games (W11-D5-L1), a 3-0 Nations League home defeat against Austria in Osijek on 3 June.
· Croatia could fail to score in back-to-back matches for the first time since June 2021, when they suffered 1-0 defeats to Belgium (friendly) and England (EURO 2020 group stage).
· Croatia could record a 0-0 result in consecutive matches for the second time, after goalless friendly draws against Bulgaria and Slovenia respectively in February-March 2002.
· Luka Modric (156) is Croatia's all-time leading appearances maker, including playing a national record 13 World Cup matches for the country (2 goals, both scored in 2018).
· Davor Šuker (6), Mario Mandzukic (5) and Perišic (5) are the three players to have scored more than two World Cup goals for Croatia. Perišic has netted at a national joint-record two different World Cups, alongside Mandzukic and Ivica Olic.
· Perišic (32) is one goal shy of equalling Mandzukic (33) in joint-second place in Croatia's all-time leading goalscorers, behind only Šuker (45).
Courtesy of Gracenote
Canada Stats
· Canada's opening match of this tournament was a 1-0 loss against Belgium in Al Rayyan. Canada were defeated despite the shot attempt count was 22-9 in their favour. However, only three of their 22 attempts were on target.
· Canada will be eliminated from the World Cup if they lose this match. Canada were eliminated in the group stage in 1986, after losing all three matches: against France (1-0), Hungary (2-0) and Soviet Union (2-0).
· Canada are the sixth team to lose each of their first four matches at the World Cup, after Mexico (9, 1930-1958), El Salvador (6, 1970-1982), Belgium (4, 1930-1938), Bolivia (4, 1930-1994) and Greece (4, 1994-2010). Note: El Salvador's run is still ongoing, but they have not participated in the World Cup since 1982.
· Canada are the third team to remain goalless in each of their first four World Cup games, after Bolivia (5, 1930-1994) and Greece (4, 1994-2010).
· Canada could fail to score in successive games for the first time since October-November 2016, when they were kept at bay in friendlies against Morocco (4-0) and Korea Republic (2-0).
· Cyle Larin (25 goals in 56 appearances) is Canada's all-time leading goalscorer. Jonathan David (22 goals in 36 caps) is joint-second alongside Dwayne De Rosario.
· Atiba Hutchinson (99) is one match shy of becoming the first player to make 100 senior appearances for Canada. He made his senior debut in a 4-0 friendly defeat against USA in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on 18 January 2003.
· Goalkeeper Milan Borjan was born in Knin (currently Croatia, Yugoslavia at the time). Borjan and his family fled the Croatian War of Independence (1991-1995) and eventually settled in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
· John Herdman has made history as the first person to manage a team at both the men's and women's World Cup finals. He managed New Zealand (2007, 2011) and Canada (2015) at the women's World Cup. Those teams coached by Herdman only made it out of the group stage in 2015 (quarter-finals), when Canada were hosts.
· Alphonso Davies and Alistair Johnston will be suspended if booked.
Courtesy of Gracenote
· Canada will be eliminated from the World Cup if they lose this match. Canada were eliminated in the group stage in 1986, after losing all three matches: against France (1-0), Hungary (2-0) and Soviet Union (2-0).
· Canada are the sixth team to lose each of their first four matches at the World Cup, after Mexico (9, 1930-1958), El Salvador (6, 1970-1982), Belgium (4, 1930-1938), Bolivia (4, 1930-1994) and Greece (4, 1994-2010). Note: El Salvador's run is still ongoing, but they have not participated in the World Cup since 1982.
· Canada are the third team to remain goalless in each of their first four World Cup games, after Bolivia (5, 1930-1994) and Greece (4, 1994-2010).
· Canada could fail to score in successive games for the first time since October-November 2016, when they were kept at bay in friendlies against Morocco (4-0) and Korea Republic (2-0).
· Cyle Larin (25 goals in 56 appearances) is Canada's all-time leading goalscorer. Jonathan David (22 goals in 36 caps) is joint-second alongside Dwayne De Rosario.
· Atiba Hutchinson (99) is one match shy of becoming the first player to make 100 senior appearances for Canada. He made his senior debut in a 4-0 friendly defeat against USA in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on 18 January 2003.
· Goalkeeper Milan Borjan was born in Knin (currently Croatia, Yugoslavia at the time). Borjan and his family fled the Croatian War of Independence (1991-1995) and eventually settled in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
· John Herdman has made history as the first person to manage a team at both the men's and women's World Cup finals. He managed New Zealand (2007, 2011) and Canada (2015) at the women's World Cup. Those teams coached by Herdman only made it out of the group stage in 2015 (quarter-finals), when Canada were hosts.
· Alphonso Davies and Alistair Johnston will be suspended if booked.
Courtesy of Gracenote
Watch Croatia v Canada live on SBS or watch the live stream via SBS On Demand!
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90+6' - Second half ends, full time
Morocco have done it with a magnificent performance! The Atlas Lions win their third ever FIFA World Cup match in front of a huge crowd of travelling fans 2-0 over Belgium.
An amazing moment for the North African nation as they pick up 3 points in Group F to go into first place on 4.
Morocco have done it with a magnificent performance! The Atlas Lions win their third ever FIFA World Cup match in front of a huge crowd of travelling fans 2-0 over Belgium.
An amazing moment for the North African nation as they pick up 3 points in Group F to go into first place on 4.
Aboukhlal seals victory for Morocco!
90+2' - Another goal for Morocco!
The Atlas Lions have sealed it as Ziyech displays speed and skill to get into the box and square it for Zakari Aboukhlal who finishes high past Courtois.
A massive result for Morocco and the scenes in the stadium are a sight to behold.
The Atlas Lions have sealed it as Ziyech displays speed and skill to get into the box and square it for Zakari Aboukhlal who finishes high past Courtois.
A massive result for Morocco and the scenes in the stadium are a sight to behold.
Morocco break through
73' - Morocco get their goal!
Abdelhamid Sabiri takes a free kick near the touchline and expertly curls it over the wall and into the near corner!
Courtois can't make it in time and no VAR check, Morocco have the lead!
Abdelhamid Sabiri takes a free kick near the touchline and expertly curls it over the wall and into the near corner!
Courtois can't make it in time and no VAR check, Morocco have the lead!
Second half underway
45' - Second half starts
Morocco kick off to get the second half of this match underway.
With both sides coming very close, it's looking likely there'll be goals in this second 45.
Morocco kick off to get the second half of this match underway.
With both sides coming very close, it's looking likely there'll be goals in this second 45.
Half-time whistle blows
45' - Half-time
The referee blows for half-time and it ends 0-0 between Belgium and Morocco in a lively first 45.
Belgium were constantly threatening on set pieces but Morocco's defence held firm, before Hakim Ziyech's free kick was rubbed out by VAR.
Join us soon for what's sure to be an exciting second half.
The referee blows for half-time and it ends 0-0 between Belgium and Morocco in a lively first 45.
Belgium were constantly threatening on set pieces but Morocco's defence held firm, before Hakim Ziyech's free kick was rubbed out by VAR.
Join us soon for what's sure to be an exciting second half.
Morocco have a goal rubbed out by VAR!
45' - Goal for Morocco disallowed!
Hakim Ziyech whips in a teasing free kick that misses everyone including Courtois and Morocco seemingly have the lead on the stroke of half-time.
But the subsequent VAR check says no, as Moroccan defender Romain Saïss was offside and obstructed Courtois' vision on the goal.
Hakim Ziyech whips in a teasing free kick that misses everyone including Courtois and Morocco seemingly have the lead on the stroke of half-time.
But the subsequent VAR check says no, as Moroccan defender Romain Saïss was offside and obstructed Courtois' vision on the goal.
First half underway
1' - Belgium kick off
Michy Batshuayi kicks off and Belgium v Morocco is underway from Al Thumama Stadium.
Michy Batshuayi kicks off and Belgium v Morocco is underway from Al Thumama Stadium.
Watch Belgium v Morocco live on SBS or watch the live stream via SBS On Demand!
Head to head: Belgium v Morocco
· There have been three international fixtures between these two nations. Belgium won twice, Morocco once.
· The only competitive game between these nations was in the group stage of the 1994 World Cup. Belgium won 1-0 in Orlando, Florida, on 19 June 1994 courtesy of a goal by Marc Degryse (12'). Belgium (3rd) progressed to the knockout phase and Morocco (4th) were eliminated in a group that also included Netherlands and Saudi Arabia.
· The most recent game between Belgium and Morocco was a friendly in Brussels on 26 March 2008. Morocco beat Belgium 4-1. Axel Witsel (51') scored six minutes into his senior international debut and Morocco's goals were netted by Soufiane Alloudi (14'), Tarik Sektaoui (35'), Nabil El Zhar (85') and Abdessalam Benjelloun (90+2'). Jan Vertonghen played the full 90 minutes.
· The only other game between Belgium and Morocco was a friendly in Liège on 7 September 1999. Belgium clinched a 4-0 victory thanks to goals by Lorenzo Staelens (7'), Johan Walem (18'), Emile Mpenza (20') and Branko Strupar (88').
· Belgium are unbeaten in all four World Cup matches against CAF opposition (W3-D1-L0, all were in the group stage). The most recent of those matches was a 5-2 victory versus Tunisia in Moscow on 23 June 2018. Eden Hazard (2), Romelu Lukaku (2) and Michy Batshuayi (1) netted for the Red Devils.
· The only time Belgium failed to beat CAF opposition at the World Cup was in 2002. The Red Devils drew 1-1 against Tunisia in Oita. Raouf Bouzaïne (17') scored a direct free kick for Tunisia, after Marc Wilmots (13') had put the Belgians in front.
· Belgium lost their most recent encounter with CAF opposition, a 2-1 friendly defeat versus Egypt in Kuwait City in their final match before this World Cup on 18 November.
· Morocco hold a W2-D6-L5 record against UEFA opposition at the World Cup. This includes their 0-0 draw against Croatia in their opener of the 2022 World Cup. Their two wins came against Portugal (3-1 in 1986) and Scotland (3-0 in 1998).
· Morocco faced two UEFA countries in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup in Russia as well. They suffered a 1-0 loss against Portugal in Moscow and drew 2-2 against Spain in Kalinigrad.
Courtesy of Gracenote
· The only competitive game between these nations was in the group stage of the 1994 World Cup. Belgium won 1-0 in Orlando, Florida, on 19 June 1994 courtesy of a goal by Marc Degryse (12'). Belgium (3rd) progressed to the knockout phase and Morocco (4th) were eliminated in a group that also included Netherlands and Saudi Arabia.
· The most recent game between Belgium and Morocco was a friendly in Brussels on 26 March 2008. Morocco beat Belgium 4-1. Axel Witsel (51') scored six minutes into his senior international debut and Morocco's goals were netted by Soufiane Alloudi (14'), Tarik Sektaoui (35'), Nabil El Zhar (85') and Abdessalam Benjelloun (90+2'). Jan Vertonghen played the full 90 minutes.
· The only other game between Belgium and Morocco was a friendly in Liège on 7 September 1999. Belgium clinched a 4-0 victory thanks to goals by Lorenzo Staelens (7'), Johan Walem (18'), Emile Mpenza (20') and Branko Strupar (88').
· Belgium are unbeaten in all four World Cup matches against CAF opposition (W3-D1-L0, all were in the group stage). The most recent of those matches was a 5-2 victory versus Tunisia in Moscow on 23 June 2018. Eden Hazard (2), Romelu Lukaku (2) and Michy Batshuayi (1) netted for the Red Devils.
· The only time Belgium failed to beat CAF opposition at the World Cup was in 2002. The Red Devils drew 1-1 against Tunisia in Oita. Raouf Bouzaïne (17') scored a direct free kick for Tunisia, after Marc Wilmots (13') had put the Belgians in front.
· Belgium lost their most recent encounter with CAF opposition, a 2-1 friendly defeat versus Egypt in Kuwait City in their final match before this World Cup on 18 November.
· Morocco hold a W2-D6-L5 record against UEFA opposition at the World Cup. This includes their 0-0 draw against Croatia in their opener of the 2022 World Cup. Their two wins came against Portugal (3-1 in 1986) and Scotland (3-0 in 1998).
· Morocco faced two UEFA countries in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup in Russia as well. They suffered a 1-0 loss against Portugal in Moscow and drew 2-2 against Spain in Kalinigrad.
Courtesy of Gracenote
Belgium Stats
· Belgium's opening match of this World Cup was a 1-0 victory against Canada in Al Rayyan, courtesy of a goal by Michy Batshuayi (44'). Belgium won despite the fact that the shot attempt count was 22-9 in favour of Canada.
· Belgium will qualify for the knockout phase with a win. The Red Devils will be confirmed group winners with a win AND Croatia - Canada ends in a draw.
· Belgium reached the knockout phase in their last three World Cup appearances: 2002 (last 16), 2014 (quarter-finals) and 2018 (third place). Belgium can reach the knockout stage in four successive World Cup appearances for the first time.
· Belgium have won their last eight World Cup group stage matches to equal the tournament record achieved by Brazil on two occasions (8, 1986-1994 and 2002-2010). Note: Netherlands (versus Ecuador) can make it eight in a row on Friday.
· Belgium have not dropped points in the group stage of the World Cup since a 1-1 draw against Tunisia in Oita at the 2002 World Cup. That was their second group stage match of that tournament.
· Belgium are unbeaten in their last 13 World Cup group stage matches (W8-D5-L0) since a 1-0 loss against Saudi Arabia in Washington, DC, in 1994 (goal by Saeed Owairan).
· Belgium scored in 50 of their 51 fixtures played after the 2018 World Cup. The exception was a 1-0 Nations League defeat against Netherlands in Amsterdam on 25 September 2022.
· Romelu Lukaku (68 goals in 102 appearances) is Belgium's all-time leading goalscorer (Eden Hazard follows on 33 goals). Lukaku did not recover in time for their opener against Canada.
· Lukaku (5 goals), Kevin De Bruyne, Dries Mertens and Jan Vertonghen (2 goals each) can become the first players to score at three different World Cups for Belgium. Lukaku and Marc Wilmots (both 5) are Belgium's leading World Cup goalscorers.
· Michy Batshuayi has scored 27 goals in 49 caps for the Red Devils, including 18 goals in 25 starts. Batshuayi is joint-sixth alongside Jef Mermans (both 27) in Belgium's all-time leading goalscorers. Marc Wilmots (28) is in fifth place.
· Yannick Carrasco, Thomas Meunier and Amadou Onana will be suspended if they get booked.
Courtesy of Gracenote
· Belgium will qualify for the knockout phase with a win. The Red Devils will be confirmed group winners with a win AND Croatia - Canada ends in a draw.
· Belgium reached the knockout phase in their last three World Cup appearances: 2002 (last 16), 2014 (quarter-finals) and 2018 (third place). Belgium can reach the knockout stage in four successive World Cup appearances for the first time.
· Belgium have won their last eight World Cup group stage matches to equal the tournament record achieved by Brazil on two occasions (8, 1986-1994 and 2002-2010). Note: Netherlands (versus Ecuador) can make it eight in a row on Friday.
· Belgium have not dropped points in the group stage of the World Cup since a 1-1 draw against Tunisia in Oita at the 2002 World Cup. That was their second group stage match of that tournament.
· Belgium are unbeaten in their last 13 World Cup group stage matches (W8-D5-L0) since a 1-0 loss against Saudi Arabia in Washington, DC, in 1994 (goal by Saeed Owairan).
· Belgium scored in 50 of their 51 fixtures played after the 2018 World Cup. The exception was a 1-0 Nations League defeat against Netherlands in Amsterdam on 25 September 2022.
· Romelu Lukaku (68 goals in 102 appearances) is Belgium's all-time leading goalscorer (Eden Hazard follows on 33 goals). Lukaku did not recover in time for their opener against Canada.
· Lukaku (5 goals), Kevin De Bruyne, Dries Mertens and Jan Vertonghen (2 goals each) can become the first players to score at three different World Cups for Belgium. Lukaku and Marc Wilmots (both 5) are Belgium's leading World Cup goalscorers.
· Michy Batshuayi has scored 27 goals in 49 caps for the Red Devils, including 18 goals in 25 starts. Batshuayi is joint-sixth alongside Jef Mermans (both 27) in Belgium's all-time leading goalscorers. Marc Wilmots (28) is in fifth place.
· Yannick Carrasco, Thomas Meunier and Amadou Onana will be suspended if they get booked.
Courtesy of Gracenote
Morocco Stats
· Morocco's opener of this tournament was a 0-0 draw against Croatia. Morocco have failed to win their opening match in all six World Cup appearances (L-D-L-D-L-D).
· Morocco only reached the knockout phase at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico (eliminated 1-0 by West Germany in Monterrey). The Atlas Lions started that tournament with 0-0 draws against Poland and England respectively.
· Morocco have won only two of their 17 World Cup matches (W2-D6-L9). They claimed their wins in their final group stage fixture in 1986 (3-1 against Portugal) and 1998 (3-0 against Scotland).
· Since October 2019, Morocco lost just two of their last 51 matches in all competitions (W39-D10-L2, matches decided by a penalty shootout are classed as a draw): 2-1 after extra time versus Egypt in the quarter-finals of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (hosted in Cameroon) on 30 January 2022 and a 3-0 friendly defeat against USA in Cincinnati on 1 June 2022. Note: the tally of 51 includes 10 matches (W9-D1-L0) that are classed as unofficial by the Moroccan FA.
· Morocco have kept a clean sheet in their last five fixtures, including in all four matches under Walid Regragui (2-0, 0-0, 3-0, 0-0). They last conceded in a 2-2 friendly draw against Qatar in Austria on 22 August.
· Youssef En-Nesyri (1 goal in 2018) could become the fourth player to score a joint-record two World Cup goals for Morocco, after Abderrazak Khaïri (2 goals in 1986), Salaheddine Bassir and Abdeljalil Hadda (both 2 goals in 1998).
· Selim Amallah, Ilias Chair, Bilal El Khannous and Anass Zaroury were all born in Belgium. El Khannous (2019-2021) and Zaroury (2017-2022) represented Belgium at youth level before switching their allegiance to Morocco.
· Amallah (Standard Liège) and El Khannous (KRC Genk) play their club football in Belgium. El Khannous is the only uncapped player in the Morocco squad.
· El Khannous (18 years old) could become the youngest player to play for Morocco at the World Cup. Achraf Hakimi (19 years in 2018) is the only teenager to have made an appearance for the Atlas Lions at the World Cup.
· Sofyan Amrabat will be suspended if booked.
Courtesy of Gracenote
· Morocco only reached the knockout phase at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico (eliminated 1-0 by West Germany in Monterrey). The Atlas Lions started that tournament with 0-0 draws against Poland and England respectively.
· Morocco have won only two of their 17 World Cup matches (W2-D6-L9). They claimed their wins in their final group stage fixture in 1986 (3-1 against Portugal) and 1998 (3-0 against Scotland).
· Since October 2019, Morocco lost just two of their last 51 matches in all competitions (W39-D10-L2, matches decided by a penalty shootout are classed as a draw): 2-1 after extra time versus Egypt in the quarter-finals of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (hosted in Cameroon) on 30 January 2022 and a 3-0 friendly defeat against USA in Cincinnati on 1 June 2022. Note: the tally of 51 includes 10 matches (W9-D1-L0) that are classed as unofficial by the Moroccan FA.
· Morocco have kept a clean sheet in their last five fixtures, including in all four matches under Walid Regragui (2-0, 0-0, 3-0, 0-0). They last conceded in a 2-2 friendly draw against Qatar in Austria on 22 August.
· Youssef En-Nesyri (1 goal in 2018) could become the fourth player to score a joint-record two World Cup goals for Morocco, after Abderrazak Khaïri (2 goals in 1986), Salaheddine Bassir and Abdeljalil Hadda (both 2 goals in 1998).
· Selim Amallah, Ilias Chair, Bilal El Khannous and Anass Zaroury were all born in Belgium. El Khannous (2019-2021) and Zaroury (2017-2022) represented Belgium at youth level before switching their allegiance to Morocco.
· Amallah (Standard Liège) and El Khannous (KRC Genk) play their club football in Belgium. El Khannous is the only uncapped player in the Morocco squad.
· El Khannous (18 years old) could become the youngest player to play for Morocco at the World Cup. Achraf Hakimi (19 years in 2018) is the only teenager to have made an appearance for the Atlas Lions at the World Cup.
· Sofyan Amrabat will be suspended if booked.
Courtesy of Gracenote
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90' - Full-time in Costa Rica v Japan
The final whistle goes and Costa Rica have pulled off a huge 1-0 win over Japan thanks to Keysher Fuller's late goal.
Japan were hoping to seal their spot in the Round of 16 but will now face Spain needing a result, while Costa Rica will face Germany.
Thanks for following the match, check back in here soon as Matchday 8 continues with Belgium taking on Morocco.
The final whistle goes and Costa Rica have pulled off a huge 1-0 win over Japan thanks to Keysher Fuller's late goal.
Japan were hoping to seal their spot in the Round of 16 but will now face Spain needing a result, while Costa Rica will face Germany.
Watch replay via On Demand
Japan V Costa Rica (Group E)
Thanks for following the match, check back in here soon as Matchday 8 continues with Belgium taking on Morocco.
Costa Rica take the lead!
81' - Fuller puts Costa Rica ahead!
In a situation no one would have expected, Keysher Fuller scores to give Costa Rica a 1-0 lead over Japan.
A high ball was brought down and found Fuller just inside the box who hit a high left footed shot that deflected off the gloves of Japanese keeper Gonda and into the back of the net.
In a situation no one would have expected, Keysher Fuller scores to give Costa Rica a 1-0 lead over Japan.
A high ball was brought down and found Fuller just inside the box who hit a high left footed shot that deflected off the gloves of Japanese keeper Gonda and into the back of the net.
Second half underway
45' - Second half starts
Japan start the second half looking to secure their Round of 16 berth with a win, while a win for Costa Rica would launch them right back into contention.
Japan start the second half looking to secure their Round of 16 berth with a win, while a win for Costa Rica would launch them right back into contention.
Half-time whistle blows
45' - First half ends
The referee blows the whistle to end a cagey 0-0 first half where neither Japan nor Costa Rica could really carve out any real chances at goal.
Check back in soon for the start of the second half.
The referee blows the whistle to end a cagey 0-0 first half where neither Japan nor Costa Rica could really carve out any real chances at goal.
Check back in soon for the start of the second half.
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