World Cup 2022: Elation as Morocco sail through to knockout rounds

Moroccan fans await the start of their World Cup match against Canada at Al Thumama Stadium. While the Canadians were already knocked out thanks to back-to-back defeats, the Moroccans went into the match undefeated, having claimed a major scalp in their previous fixture against world number two Belgium, who they beat 2-0 (AFP)

Morocco was out of the blocks early during their final group stage match against Canada, courtesy of a Hakim Ziyech goal within the first four minutes. The Chelsea star's opener followed a woeful attempt to clear a corner by Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borjan (AFP)

Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri doubled the lead at 24 minutes, creating a mountain for the Canadians to climb. With victory, Morocco became the first and only Arab team to make it to the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup, the first to be held in a Middle Eastern country. Despite Saudi Arabia pulling off the upset of the tournament so far against Argentina, and Tunisia defeating France in their final group match, both failed to make it to the knockout stages, alongside hosts Qatar (AFP)

Morocco fans cheer on their side during their final group stage match against Canada on Thursday at Doha's Al Thumama Stadium. The tournament has been marked by widespread displays of pan-Arab unity, as fans from various Arab states get behind one another's teams (AFP)

Qatari, Canadian and Moroccan fans mingle inside Al Thumama Stadium as the Moroccan and Canadian teams battle it out in their final group stage fixture (AFP)

West Ham's Nayef Aguerd accidentally turned the ball into his own net before half time to bring the Canadians back into the game, but the Moroccans held on with a disciplined performance to advance through to the next round as Group F winners. The country's previous best performance at the tournament came in 1986, when they reached the Round of 16 (AFP)

Moroccan players including Paris Saint-Germain's Achraf Hakimi celebrate their advance to the knockout round after the final whistle (AFP)

Moroccan defender Jawad El-Yamiq waves the Palestinian flag during the celebrations. Displays of Palestinian solidarity have been a common theme throughout the 2022 World Cup (AFP)

Throughout the tournament, Moroccan fans have earned a reputation for their colourful displays and enthusiastic celebrations. Here Moroccan fans celebrate their team's victory against Canada and reaching the knockout rounds (Reuters)