The U17 World Cup has concluded a thrilling quarterfinal match where Morocco’s journey ended after losing to Brazil. The final score was 2-1, with Brazil clinching the victory in the last minute of the game.
Brazil Advances After Late Goal
Morocco’s U17 team faced off against Brazil on Friday, struggling to overcome their opponents and secure a spot in the semifinals. The Moroccan squad had previously demonstrated resilience, particularly in their earlier matches against teams like Mali.
Head coach Nabil Baha stuck to a trusted lineup, missing his first-choice defender Alhidaoui and substituting him with Belhassan. Baha also opted to start the talented midfielder Khalfioui, despite the absence of Ajax’s Abdullah Wazan, who had been a standout in prior competitions.
Match Overview
Morocco attacked aggressively from the outset, looking to unsettle the Brazilian defense. Brazil appeared hesitant in the opening quarter, only breaking through on their first significant offensive move in the 16th minute. Kayki drilled a well-placed ball into the box, allowing striker Winderson Santos Del to net the first goal for Brazil.
The goal dampened Morocco’s spirits, granting Brazil the confidence to seize control. However, Morocco regrouped, creating opportunities to equalize. A key moment arrived in injury time of the first half when Ismail Al-Aoud was fouled in the box, prompting a penalty awarded after video review. Ziad Baha successfully converted the penalty, drawing the teams level just before halftime.
Second Half Action
After halftime, the match adopted a more cautious tone. Brazil attempted long-range shots, while Morocco relied on set-pieces. The Moroccan team, buoyed by their recent performance against Mali, pressed for another goal.
As the second half progressed, both teams seemed locked in a tactical stalemate. Yet, the game’s climax arrived in the dying moments. In the added minutes, Brazil’s Rickardinho broke free from the Moroccan defense, scoring a dramatic late goal that shattered Morocco’s hopes of a comeback.
Implications of the Match
With this loss, Morocco’s U17 team ends its World Cup run in the quarterfinals, marking a disappointing outcome after their previous success in Indonesia. The 2022 tournament saw the Moroccan seniors achieve fourth place, adding to the weight of this exit.
Despite this setback, the Moroccan U17 team recently made history by winning their first World Cup by defeating Argentina 2-0 in Chile. The experience gained in this tournament may prove invaluable for their future endeavors.
