Morocco is going head-to-head with Portugal for the third time in a FIFA World Cup at the AI Thumama Stadium. Portugal was on fire against Switzerland as they put six past them thanks to a meteoric rise of Goncalo Ramos, scoring the tournament’s first hat trick. Morocco, on the other hand, showed resilience and defensive stability that repelled every Spanish attack to go to a penalty shootout which Yassine Bounou excelled, saving three penalties.
In the FIFA rankings, Portugal is ranked in ninth place whilst Morocco is ranked 22nd but are more than capable of giving the big teams a hard time of it.
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MOROCCO
A very impressive defensive display from Morocco, who also managed to fashion a chance or two of their own. Spain passed the ball sideways but didn’t manage to penetrate between the lines and create space as they did against Costa Rica and Germany, for example. Another notable performance from Sofyan Amrabat as he prevented the usual dominance in midfield, but the performance of Yassine Bounou eclipsed Amrabat’s efforts. With the win against Spain, Morocco is the only Arabic team to feature in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals and only the fourth African team to do so.
Looking ahead at the prospect of facing Portugal, who are firing on all cylinders, might worry Walid Regragui as their attacking play is more cohesive than that of Spain. Confidence is oozing through the Moroccan veins and why wouldn’t it be so? This weekend holds one of the greatest challenges that the Morocco national team has ever faced.
Morocco, to keep a clean sheet is priced at 33/8 (5.10), with Hakim Ziyech to score anytime during the game at 7/2 (4.50). Youssef En-Nesyri to score anytime, and Morocco to win at 9/1 (10.00).
PORTUGAL
Portugal benched their all-time goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo and the player replacing him, Goncalo Ramos, scored a hat trick, highlighting the quality in depth of their squad. One of the highest-scoring round of 16 games was played against Switzerland, with a total of seven goals. Portugal picked Switzerland apart in every department of the game in what is being dubbed a statement win.
Portugal looks to have a bright future in years to come with young talented players such as Rafael Leao, who once again came off the bench to score a beautifully curled shot that left Sommer sprawling. Up against Morocco, Fernando Santos has to keep his side grounded and not get ahead of themselves as the African side has shown they are capable of the spectacular.
Goncalo Ramos to anytime during the game and over 2.5 goals in the match at 11/4 (3.75), whilst a -1 handicap on Portugal is valued at 2/1 (3.00). Portugal to win both halves is priced at 17/4 (5.25).
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Portugal come into the game as favourites at 2/3 (1.67) whilst Morocco are at 29/6 (5.85) and a draw is priced at 17/6 (3.85).
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*Odds subject to change. Odds correct at time of publishing