Hundreds of jubilant Morocco supporters descended on London's Piccadilly Circus on Saturday evening after their team's 3-0 World Cup victory over Canada, creating wild scenes in the tourist hotspot.
Horns blared and clouds of red and green smoke filled the air as fans set off flares and danced in the street. A large police presence was deployed to maintain order at one of the busiest spots in the West End.
Celebrations Coincide with Pride in London
The celebrations came after tens of thousands of people took part in Pride in London festivities, which saw the annual LGBTQ+ parade pass through Piccadilly Circus earlier in the day.
Morocco's victory was secured by a brace from Azzedine Ounahi in the second half. The Girona midfielder broke the deadlock five minutes after the restart with a low shot following a well-worked free-kick. He added a late second on the break before Soufiane Rahimi scored a third in stoppage time to seal a place in the quarter-finals against either France or Paraguay.
Coach Ouahbi Praises Team's Response
Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi praised his team's reaction after the interval. "It is a World Cup match and these are difficult games with teams playing for their lives. We reacted very well in the second half in the second balls and the duels," Ouahbi said in quotes on the FIFA website.
"I have to recognise that Canada were impressive – they played a top match. It was no surprise for us, but in the second half we were able to profit from the space they left us and that was the key."
Canada's Marsch Reflects on Campaign
Canada boss Jesse Marsch felt his squad had given their all in what was a memorable run to the last 16. "Across the pitch we had 11 incredible performances in the first half. We were unlucky not to get the lead, then it was the fine details," said Marsch, who confirmed that Alphonso Davies had been troubled by a hamstring problem in training.
"What a privilege our fans have had to root for a team like this that goes after the game. We achieved tremendous success (at the World Cup). Of course, we would have liked to be the ones celebrating instead of them, but this is as far as we could go. Now it is time to build further upon what we have accomplished."
