West Ham United centre-back Nayef Aguerd made his World Cup debut on Wednesday for Morocco during their opening Group F match against Croatia.
Aguerd, who only made his Premier League debut for the Hammers against Leicester City 11 days ago, played for the duration of Morocco’s clash with Croatia that ended in a goalless draw in Al Khor, Qatar.
The centre-back, signed from Stade Rennais, has spent most of the season on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury in a pre-season defeat to Rangers, keeping him out of action for over three months.
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Aguerd won his 23rd cap against Croatia as he made his World Cup debut, helping the African nation to hold their European opponents, who finished as runners-up in last season’s competition.
In the game, Aguerd made 41 of his attempted 46 passes at an accuracy rate of 89.1%, the highest percentage of any player in Morocco’s starting side. The Hammers' defender also won a tackle, completed an interception and made three clearances, as well as blocking one shot.
The Moroccan international was not the only West Ham representative in the game. Winger Nikola Vlasic, currently out on loan at Torino in Serie A, played for Croatia for the duration of the first half before being forced off injured at the interval and replaced by Atalanta midfielder and former Chelsea player Mario Pasalic.
Vlasic did come close to opening the scoring in the first half when shooting from close range at the end of a cross, although his effort was saved by Yassine Bounou.
Both sides are on a point after the game in Group F with a draw, with Belgium taking on Canada in Group F’s other game on Wednesday afternoon. Belgium take on Morocco on Sunday, with Croatia facing Canada later in the day in the competition.
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