Morocco adapted to beat Canada says 18-year-old Bouaddi

The Canadians controlled much of the opening 45 minutes in Houston before Morocco seized the initiative after the break to dismantle their opponents.

Bouaddi credited Canada's early game plan, but said the Atlas Lions found the right tactical response as the match progressed. 

"I thought that Canada was pretty well organised, they gave us a few problems, but at halftime we spoke with the coaching staff to find a few solutions in order to try and beat them, and that's what happened in the second half."

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Bouaddi opted to represent Morocco despite having French links and now takes on the side led by Kylian Mbappe in the last eight. 

On how their game plan fell apart, defender Ritchie Laryea argued that not being able to break the deadlock in the first half came back to haunt Canada. 

"We had a really positive performance the whole match, but especially in the first half. We wanted to get a goal or two in that first half, but that just wasn't the case."

Laryea believes Canada – under coach Jesse Marsch – have a lot to be proud of when they reflect on their World Cup journey.