West Ham United defender Nayef Aguerd involved in ‘huge’ moment at World Cup
West Ham United centre-back Nayef Aguerd was involved in a “huge” moment at the World Cup as he scored the first own-goal of the tournament in unfortunate circumstances.
The 26-year-old lined up for Morocco after their inspired 2-0 win against Belgium on Sunday (27 November), with his country progressing to the last-16 knockout stages of the World Cup with the 2-1 win against Canada.
After taking an early lead through Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri’s goals, Morocco found their lead halved on the 40-minute mark after Aguerd diverted a cross from the left-wing past his own goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
As reported on Sky Sports’ live feed of the Group F match, the Hammers defender played a significant role in his side’s lead being halved right before the break.
The feed said: “Well, well. Canada are salvaging some pride. They’re handed a very fortuitous lifeline, via the outstretched boot of Aguerd, who diverts Adekugbe’s shot into his own net.
“Bounou scrambled in attempt to recover the ball but there was too much pace on it – he was powerless to prevent it crossing the line.
“A huge slice of luck for the Canadians.”
Colossus
Although Aguerd did net the first own goal of the World Cup, it was an unfortunate one, and it was a moment he can’t be blamed for.
Playing a ball directly down the wing from a free-kick, Canada found themselves breaching the Morocco defence within moments, with the midfield completely bypassed with one kick of the ball.
The West Ham star was scrambling back to his goal in an attempt to divert the ball behind for a corner but was incredibly unfortunate to put it into his own net at his keeper’s near post.
Following a heroic display against Belgium in his nation’s last match, and with his side likely to progress into the knockout stages of the World Cup, Aguerd has proven himself an indispensable cog in the Morocco backline.
With Kurt Zouma sidelined with a knee injury, this is a timely reminder that the defender does have the capability to step into the Hammers’ back four and make the position his own.