Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Adversity befell the leader of the Atlas Lions
A cross bar prevented Morocco national team captain Ashraf Hakim from scoring the goal that put the Atlas Lions ahead against the Netherlands in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match between the two teams early Tuesday at the Monterrey Stadium in Mexico.
In the 52nd minute, Hakimi received a wonderful pass from his counterpart Azedi Ounahi, bursting into the penalty area and fired a rocket over the post amid heart-rending cheers from the Moroccan fans in the stands.
Minutes later, Hakimi received another long pass and found himself alone in goal, but Dutch defender Miki van de Ven made a last-minute save to prevent the Saint-Germain star from shooting.
Hakimi is considered one of the most prominent sources of danger for Morocco, as he fired another rocket in the first half.It was blocked by Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, who also sent a cross from the corner to the head of Nael El Ainaoui, who struck the ball, but the keeper also cleared it.
The winner of this clash will play in the World Cup final against Canada, who defeated South Africa 1-0.
