India, July 5 -- Azzedine Ounahi scored twice as Morocco overcame a mighty fight from Canada before sending the co-hosts 'home', becoming the first team to enter the World Cup quarter-finals after winning the ill-tempered last of 16 clash in Houston.

Canada stretched the defence of the 2022 semi-finalists until halfway through the first half, but could not make the openings count. After a phase of rough challenges, and pushing and jostling that saw referee Michael Oliver show the yellow card to six players in the first half, Morocco gradually took control. In all seven players were cautioned, four of Morocco.

Switching tactics and overloading the right wing, Morocco made a 50th minute free-kick count. Midfielder Ounahi swept home a clev...