Morocco are in the mood to pull off another upset while battling Portugal in the third quarter final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The winner of the game will face either France or England in the semifinals.
The Atlas Lions beat Spain 3-0 on penalties to reach the quarterfinals while the Selecao thrashed Switzerland 6-1 in making it to this stage.
MOR vs POR Match Details
Date: Saturday, 10 December 2022
Time: 20:30 (IST)
Venue: Al Thumama Stadium, Al Thumama
MOR vs POR Match Preview
Achraf Hakimi scored an outrageous panenka for the winner in the shootout against Spain to send Morocco to the quarterfinals of the World Cup for the very first time. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the undisputed hero in the shootout by saving two spot-kicks from La Roja players whose now-fired boss Luis Enrique claimed to have practiced 1000 penalties ahead of the tie. Yet they failed to even take one properly. It was another script of the wonderful tale the nation from Africa is building in this tournament. After stagnating the 2018 runners-up Croatia in a goalless draw and upsetting Belgium, the focus fell on them to achieve the same highs in the knockout phases. No doubt, Spain were a difficult opposition but their loss against Japan in the last group-stage game showed they are vulnerable. In the end, a mammoth defensive performance and lack of tooth in Spain’s possession football pave the way for Morocco to progress into the last eight. Two full-backs, Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui with the center-back pairing of Naif Aguerd and Romain Saiss and midfielder Sofyan Amrabat were immaculate in their task to keep the Spanish attack at bay. Their historical qualification was not the only thing to cheer about as the Atlas Lions extended their unbeaten World Cup run to five games. Since Walid Regragui took charge of the team in September, Morocco has yet to concede a goal with the one let-in being an own goal against Canada. This is a staggering record considering the quality of opposition they have faced. The competition only grows from here as the African nation will take on Portugal in the next round to do the unthinkable of reaching the semis. They will be the first ever nation from the continent to qualify for the last four if they provide another major surprise in this competition.
Also Read | Morocco’s Squad for FIFA World Cup 2022 & Team Profile and FIFA World Cup 2022: Morocco - World Cup Records and Stats
But Portugal are in a jolly mood even without the nation’s poster man starting for them. With Cristiano Ronaldo relegated to the bench, others took up the task brilliantly. Benfica’s stunning forward Goncalo Ramos is now doing it on the mega stage for his nation as his splendid hat trick spearheaded Portugal to a 6-1 thumping of Switzerland in the last 16. Pepe, Raphael Guerriero and Rafael Leao got the other goals for the team. The important decision made by Fernando Santos regarding the selection of the side was on point despite reports of unrest between the camp and Ronaldo emerging after the victory. The manager has since dismissed those reports but it leaves Portugal in the same situation faced by the star’s ex-club Manchester United this season. The Selecao will hope no more disturbance occurs as they look to stride to the semifinals. This will be the nation’s third quarterfinal participation in the World Cup and they have progressed from the last two in 1966 and 2006. Although, Santos knows Morocco will be tough to breach with their mind-blowing defense and the overall hard-working unit. The team has also turned into giant killers be it in the normal time or forcing the opposition all the way to the penalties. However, the impressive win in the last 16 and a greater experience at this stage in the major competition should take Portugal through. While Morocco won’t make it an easy evening for the forwards, the Selecao believes they are better equipped than their Iberian rivals to find gaps even in the most robust defense.
Also Read | Portugal’s Squad for FIFA World Cup 2022 & Team Profile and FIFA World Cup 2022: Portugal - World Cup Records and Stats
MOR vs POR Team News
Morocco had injury concerns over their center-back duo Naif Aguerd and Romain Saiss in the game against Spain. While Aguerd was withdrawn late in the second half with a muscular problem while the captain completed the full game despite clutching his hamstring in the extra time. Both are expected to make it back to the eleven with another defensive class needed from them.
There are no new injury concerns for Portugal after their win against Switzerland in the Round of 16. PSG’s Danilo Perreira remains a doubt while Nuno Mendes has been ruled out of the tournament. For the second game running, Cristiano Ronaldo is set to be benched with hat-trick hero Goncalo Ramos continuing up top with Joao Felix.
MOR vs POR Predicted Lineups
MOR: Yassine Bounou; Achraf Hakimi, Naif Aguerd, Romain Saiss, Noussair Mazraoui; Azzedine Ounahi, Sofyan Amrabat, Selim Amallah; Hakim Ziyech, Youssef En-Nesyri, Sofiane Boufal
POR: Diogo Costa; Diogo Dalot, Ruben Dias, Pepe, Raphael Guerreiro; Bernardo Silva, William Carvalho, Otavio; Bruno Fernandes; Felix, Goncalo Ramos
MOR vs POR Dream11 Team Prediction
GK: Bounou (7)
DEF: Hakimi (9), Saiss (8), Mazraoui (8.5), Guerreiro (8.5)
MID: Ziyech (9), Amrabat (7.5), B Fernandes (9)
FW: En-Nesyri (7), Felix (8), Ramos (7.5)
Vice-captain: Goncalo Ramos
Captain: Bruno Fernandes
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