Morocco face Spain at Education City Stadium in the penultimate clash of Round of 16 at 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Victory would see Morocco qualify for the Quarter-Finals of a World Cup for the first time in their history, whilst Spain are chasing their first appearance in the last eight since they won the competition in 2010.
The winner of this tie will meet the winner of Portugal’s clash against Switzerland in the Quarter-Finals at Al Thumama Stadium on Saturday 10 December at 6pm AST local time.
Team News
Morocco have no fresh injury concerns to report with Yassine Bounou set to remain in goal after he returned in their 2-1 win against Canada, having missed their win over Belgium with an eye issue.
Sofyan Amrabat and Abdelhamid Sabiri are just one booking away from missing the Quarter-Final if Morocco win this tie, which could lead Head Coach – Walid Regragui to opt to start both players on the bench.
Spain have no fresh injury concerns to report following their defeat to Japan, with Ferran Torres, Aymeric Laporte and Jordi Alba amongst players looking for recalls to the starting line-up.
Sergio Busquets is the only Spaniard at risk of suspension for the Quarter-Finals if Spain win this tie, having already been booked once – in a 1-1 draw against Germany in Group E.
Stat Attack
- Morocco drew 2-2 against Spain in their only previous meeting at a World Cup, which came in their final group match of 2018 tournament.
- Spain are unbeaten against Morocco in all competitions when previously played as the away team (W1, D1).
- Both Morocco and Spain have scored in five of seven previous meetings in all competitions.
- Munir Mohamedi kept a clean sheet in his only appearance for Morocco at this tournament, which came in a 2-0 win over Belgium.
- Alvaro Morata scored once in each of Spain’s three group matches at this World Cup.
Prediction
Resilience has certainly summed up Morocco’s run so far because despite facing difficult opposition in Croatia and Belgium across their two opening games, they have been defensively difficult to beat which is something that Spain will need to be wary of.
A sloppy own goal against Canada however is the only puncture in an otherwise fantastic defence, whilst their attack has also been clinical especially when considered as underdogs which hopefully will again suit them well here.
Spain meanwhile haven’t quite showed the fierceness that they had against Costa Rica when they met Germany and Japan, yet are a hard-working team with a strong possession based style so I can see them looking to come out and dominate.
For me personally, that might look good but they will certainly need a clinical bite to their attack if want to break Morocco, who will likely deploy a fast-paced counter-attack press strategy which should open up this game the longer both teams stay goalless.
Patience therefore will be of virtue here because I can foresee a tough tactical battle between two technically-minded teams, although Spain really should look to edge this given their superior quality across the pitch.
Prediction: Morocco 1-2 Spain
Result: Morocco 0-0 Spain (Morocco win 3-0 on penalties!)
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