After watching from the stands as Brazil blanked host Morocco 3-0 at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium in the opening match of the FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup, Canada gets to play the South Americans there in Saturday’s quarterfinal.

“We’ll be at the bench that we sat behind,” said Canada coach Jen Herst. “So it’s a nice full-circle moment for us.”

The young Canadians have outscored their opposition 18-2 in winning four straight at the Football Academy Mohammed VI. Now in the business end of the expanded 24-team tournament, the venue is far grander and the stakes much higher.

“It’s been a great run,” Herst said. “I think one of the keys is we’ve been enjoying ourselves … both on and off the pitch.”

“We have this great unity and togetherness … I think having those tight bonds, that connection off

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