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Bizarre Scenes Leave Fans Bemused During Belgium vs Morocco FIFA Match as Goalkeeper Replaced Mysteriously After Singing the National Anthem

Published 11/27/2022, 8:53 AM EST

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via Reuters

Morocco started their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign with a dull draw against Croatia. They faced European giants Belgium in the second game of the competition. This could very well be a deciding game for them in the ongoing FIFA World Cup. However, a mysterious incident happened before the start of the game.

Morocco named a strong lineup to face Belgium. Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has been a regular starter for the national team. Bounou even made a top save against Croatia to keep the African side in the game.

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Coach Walid Regragui named Bounou in the starting lineup and came on for the national anthem with the team. However, a different player was spotted on the goal when the game started. This confused a lot of fans, who took minutes to realize that Bounou is not in the lineup.

Yassine Bounou replaced by Munir during FIFA WC game between Morocco and Belgium

Munir, who played for the Saudi Arabian club Al-Wehda, replaced Bounou in the starting lineup. Bounou, being mysteriously replaced, shocked many fans around the world.

 

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However, reportedly, Bounou felt sick during the national anthem. This is why the coach had to replace him with Munir. However, fans took some time to realize that it was Munir on the goal and not Bounou. The commentators from the match also didn’t realize that it was the Al Wehda star behind Morocco’s back line.

Following are some of the fans’ reactions to the mystery substitution:

Morocco started the game well against World Cup favorites, Belgium. Belgium boasts one of the best rosters at the Qatar World Cup. Many expect them to top Group F. However, Morocco’s draw against Croatia proved that cannot be taken lightly. Morocco also has many players who play in some of the top European leagues.

The fate of Group F

Belgium doesn’t look the same side as they were in the previous World Cup. Their golden generation is towards its end, with many top stars at the twilight of their careers. However, this is their last opportunity to win something for their national team. Belgium will face Croatia in their final group game.

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Morocco and Croatia are in contention for the 2nd spot in the group for the knockouts. However, there’s a chance that Canada might turn it around. They impressed soccer fans in their first World Cup game against Belgium and might shock Croatia and Morocco in their upcoming games. It’ll be interesting to see which team will qualify from the group.

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WATCH THIS STORY: Tom Holland’s Close Relationship With PSG Explored

Which two teams will qualify for the Round of 16 from Group F? Let us know in the comment section below.

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Written by:

Abhishek Singh

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Abhishek Singh is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports with over two years of journalistic experience with Chase Your Sport and Dribl. A Football Management graduate, he has previously interned in the Indian Super League, I-League and the AFC Champions League. In addition to being a Michael Jordan fan, Abhishek is an ardent Steph Curry and Warriors guy, and believes they have a few more championships in store before the former retires.
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Edited by:

Sreeda U M