Canada and Morocco will both hope to end unwanted World Cup streaks when they square off in Doha on Thursday.
The two nations have had contrasting tournaments thus far with Morocco emerging as one of the surprise packages by recording four points against Croatia and Belgium.
While Canada can be satisfied with their performances versus the same opponents, the Maple leafs have suffered defeats against the European giants.
Those results have set up a scenario where Morocco require just a point to earn a place in the last 16 for just the second time in their history and Canada have already being eliminated from the competition.
Nevertheless, despite their varying fortunes, history does not favour either side ahead of their encounter at the Al Thumama Stadium.
From Morocco's perspective, they will be looking to end a run of four defeats in a row against non-European nations at the World Cup.
Peru, Saudi Arabia, Brazil and Iran have all defeated the Atlas Lions over the years, the most recent loss coming at the 2018 edition when a 95th-minute own goal cost them a draw in their opening fixture of the tournament.
As far as Canada are concerned, they are bidding to avoid becoming one of the worst World Cup teams on record having lost all five of their matches in the tournament.
Should they succumb to yet another defeat on Thursday, Canada will join El Salvador as having played the most World Cup matches without ever registering a draw or win.
Coincidentally, this occasion represents the first time in six years that Canada have faced an African nation, their last encounter coming against Morocco and ending in a 4-0 defeat.
Meanwhile, Morocco are looking to become the first African team to ever come through the group stages without conceding a goal. body check tags ::
