World Cup 2022: Morocco Ready to Rock La Roja

Spain vs Morocco

Morocco, one of the surprise packages of World Cup 2022, are set to meet Spain in the round of 16 at the Education City Stadium.

Morocco have made it to the World Cup knockout stage for just the second time in their history, and they did so as surprise group winners. They went undefeated in Group F to finish above two World Cup 2018 semi-finalists, Croatia and Belgium.

The Moroccans will now look to reach the quarter-finals for the first time ever as they face Spain in the round of 16.

Spain suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Japan which saw them drop to second in Group E. The World Cup 2022 betting odds still have the Spanish significantly favoured in this tie, but they must not make light of the Moroccans, who have more than enough quality in their side to rock La Roja.

Talking Points

Spain’s main striker in fine goalscoring form

Spain made quite a statement in their group opener as they smashed Costa Rica 7-0. However, La Roja were unable to build off that remarkable result as they failed to win their next to games – they drew 1-1 with Germany and lost 2-1 to Japan – to finish second in Group E.

Still, La Roja have a lot of reasons to be optimistic ahead of their round of 16 tie: They have continued to impose their style onto their opponents (they enjoyed over 80 per cent possession against Costa Rica and Japan); they have no injury issues to worry about; and perhaps most importantly, Alvaro Morata is in fine form.

The Atletico Madrid striker scored in each of Spain’s last two group games as he moved to fifth in Spain’s all-time goalscoring list with 30 goals. Morata got the start over Marcos Asensio in the middle of the Spain attack against Japan and will almost surely keep his place for the Morocco match.

And at the back, both Aymeric Laporte and Jordi Alba were rested against Japan, but they should return to form the left side of Spain’s defence.

Morocco looking rock-solid

Morocco were perhaps the second most surprising group winners in World Cup 2022 behind only Japan. The Atlas Lions topped Group F with two wins and a draw to finish above the much-fancied Europeans, Croatia and Belgium.

The Moroccans have built much of their success upon their strong defence, which is composed of goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and their back four of Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, Nayef Aguerd and captain Romain Saiss. They conceded just three goals in eight CAF qualifying matches, and their fine form has continued in Qatar.

Aguerd’s own goal in their group finale against Canada was the only goal they gave up in the group stage and the first they had conceded in their previous six games in all competitions.

And of course, the Atlas Lions have a lot of quality in attack, with the likes of Hakimi, Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri all capable of providing World Cup 2022 highlights. The Moroccans averaged less than 40 per cent of possession during the group stage, but they have made their limited opportunities count, converting four of their eight shots on target into goals.

Coach Walid Regragui has fielded a mostly settled starting XI in this World Cup, so there should be no surprises with his selection against Spain. Midfielder Abdelhamid Sabiri came in for Selim Amallah against Canada, which was the only outfield change Regragui made in the entire group stage. 

History

This will be the second World Cup meeting between Morocco and Spain. They first met in the group stage in 2018, which ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw. Morocco twice took the lead but Spain fought back and scored a last-minute equaliser through Iago Aspas.

The two countries have met three times in total, with Spain yet to suffer defeat (two wins, one draw).

Spain were eliminated in the round of 16 in 2018 by host nation Russia on penalties. They last made it through to the quarter-finals in 2010, where they went on to win it all.

As for Morocco, this will be just their second trip to the round of 16. They first made it in 1986, when they lost 1-0 to Germany.

Betting Tip

SBOTOP odds have Spain installed as 1.60 favourites to beat Morocco, who are priced at 6.20. A draw is 3.55.

Morocco have the makings of a team that can give Spain some major challenges. Their defence is well-organised, and they will be hard for a Spanish attack to break down. Meanwhile, the pace and quality of Ziyech and Hakimi can catch the slightly suspect Spanish backline out on the counter-attack.

There’s a decent chance that Morocco can take this tie into extra-time, but no one should be surprised if they send the Spanish packing within 90 minutes.

 

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