Morocco ended a long wait of 24 years for a World Cup win when they stunned second-ranked Belgium 2-0 in their Group F match at Al Thumama Stadium Sunday.Ranked 22 in the world, the Atlas Lions relied on brilliant goals from Romain Saiss and substitute Zakaria Aboukhlal for their heroic win in front of a large number of Moroccan fans.Sunday's timely win was Morocco's first since they beat beat Scotland in France 1998. The Belgian side failed to net a goal in nine corner kicks.Morocco coach Walid Regregui was a thrilled man after the entertaining encounter."We played against one of the best teams in the world with big players, but we know that if you don’t give 100%, it is impossible to win. With these players and these fans, anything is possible," Regregui said Sunday.Meanwhile, riots were reported in Brussels as police battled with Belgian fans after the match. "Dozens of people, including some wearing hoodies, sought confrontation with the police, which compromised public safety," Brussels police said in a statement issued after the match.CANADA OUT AS CROATIA WIN 4-1In the other Group F match Sunday, Croatia rallied in spectacular fashion after conceding an early goal against Canada, eventually finding the net four times to register an emphatic win at Khalifa International Stadium.Alphonso Davies produced a booming snap-header to give Canada the lead in the 68th second of the match. Despite the early goal, Croatia - the 2018 runners up - remained calm to hammer four goals on way to securing a convincing win.Andrej Kramaric scored twice while Marko Livaja and Lovro Majer - who netted one in injury time - added charm to Croatia's brilliant victory.Croatia and Morocco both have four points each, with Croatia leading on goal difference, while Belgium are third with three points. Canada are out with two losses in two games.FUELLKRUG RESCUES GERMANY IN SPAIN SHOWDOWNSubstitute Niclas Fuellkrug's close range strike late in the second half rescued Germany a valuable 1-1 draw against Spain in a Group E showdown at Al Bayt Stadium Sunday, a result which left the group still wide open.Alvaro Morata beat his marker and flicked the ball in at the near post past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer following a low cross from Jordi Alba in the 62nd minute to give Spain the lead.But Fuellkrug levelled in the 83rd minute, smashing home a loose ball inside the box.COSTA RICA BREAK JAPANESE HEARTSThere was heartbreak Japanese players and fans in Doha Sunday when Costa Rica relied on a late strike by Keysher Fuller to win their Group E match at Ahmad Ali Bin Stadium. Fueller, a 28-year-old defender, scored in the 81st minute to seal Costa Rica's win.Costa Rica's hard-fought victory was achieved after a 7-0 drubbing at the hands of 2010 World Cup winners Spain last week.For Japan, who stunned 2014 World Cup champions Germany four days ago, Sunday's match was a chance to reach the round of 16 but coach Hajime Moriyasu's side faltered and failed to find the net despite dominating possession.It is all to play for in Group E with Spain leading with four points and requiring only a draw in their final game against Japan to progress. Japan and Costa Rica have three points each, while Germany have one point.
November 28, 2022 | 12:10 AM