HOUSTON – There were not one, but multiple moments during Canada’s first half against Morocco that they looked in a completely different place than they were four years ago in Qatar.As they pressed Morocco and stifled the World Cup contenders, Canada looked like they belonged with the heavyweights of international soccer.“(Head coach Jesse Marsch) said to us that probably that was the best first half he ever coached with us,” Canada midfielder Stephen Eustaquio said. “To be able to get to the highest stage we were and to perform like that in the first half, I think it was a very good sign that the gap isn’t that big.”Even after the three second-half goals from Morocco that ended Canada’s run in the Round of 16, their World Cup must ultimately be viewed as a success.Less than four years ago, Canada ended the 2022 World Cup as the 31st of the 32 teams in the tournament. They were outclassed at every turn in Qatar and looked overwhelmed on the world’s biggest stage.But this World Cup changed the conversation around the Canadian side, for the better.“I just hope that what (Canadians) watched they can be proud of,” Alistair Johnston said. “They saw a Canadian team that was not afraid of anyone, that played how I think we always want all of our Canadian teams to play, it doesn’t matter the sport.”The loss against Morocco showcased both reasons for optimism, evidenced in a tempo-setting first half for Canada and incredible individual performances, and what the future tier of success might look like for Canada.Canada preparing to kick-off during Saturday’s game (Molly Darlington/Getty Images)In the aftermath of the loss, many players walked the fine line between disappointment and pragmatism. Some walked with heads down through the mixed zone, undoubtedly angered that Canada stormed out of the gate to start the game, getting 13 touches in Morocco’s box compared to Morocco’s one and had quality chances but could not convert. As Canada came at Morocco in waves, forward Tani Oluwaseyi accepted an excellent Ali Ahmed pass just outside the Morocco box in the 10th minute. The Villarreal forward’s turn was outstanding and he had a clear look at goal, but Oluwaseyi’s shot was stopped by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. That would prove to be Canada’s best chance.“If we score that, we put the game on our terms and then we play the football that we want to play,” Stephen Eustaquio said. “And then we didn’t do that.”