Qatar World Cup 2022 Morocco vs Spain – prediction, team news, lineups
Morocco face Spain in the penultimate World Cup 2022 last-16 battle at 15:00 today.
Both teams are fighting for a spot in the quarter-finals, the final last-16 game – Portugal take on Switzerland at 19:00 in the final game of the Round of 16.
Spain finished second in Group E, whilst Morocco topped Group F.
Morocco have played really well during the group stages, even their goalless draw with Croatia drew applause – who followed that one point up with wins over Belgium and Canada.
Morocco are one of only two African teams in the last 16 of the World Cup – the other being Senegal.
The Qatar World Cup 2022 marks only the second time Morocco have got this far, having been eliminated in the last 16 in 1986.
Morocco are riding a wave of an eight-game unbeaten run in all competitions – in which they have only conceded two goals. Walid Regragui’s men are hoping to become the first Morocco side to reach the quarter-finals.
You could argue that Spain coming in second place in the group stages may have been a blessing in disguise, as if they had finished first they would have to take on Croatia in the last 16. But today’s game is still no easy match.
The 2018 World Cup saw Spain eliminated in the Round of 16 and with the many shocks and upsets already seen in this world cup, it wouldn’t be too unrealistic to see another shock today.
But Spain have never suffered back-to-back exits at this point of the competition and their tally of nine goals in the group stage was the joint-highest alongside England.
Morocco and Spain last met in the 2018 World Cup during the group stages. A late goal from Iago Aspas saw Spain equalise, with a 2-2 draw, and a similar set-up could unfold this afternoon at the Education City Stadium.
Morocco team news
Morocco’s Yassine Bounou was able to play for the full 90 minutes against Canada after coming off during the Belgium game. He is expected to form part of an unchanged XI.
Achraf Hakimi is expected to be back to fitness after some ankle problems.
Ziyech, Sofyan Amrabat and Sofiane Boufal were rested instead of full training on Saturday – but they are expected to be in the starting team.
Spain team news
Spain was without Dani Olmo, David Raya and Cesar Azpilicueta for Friday’s training session, although the former was just believed to have been rested.
Azpilicueta and Raya will be available for the game, but Simon is expected to stay in goal despite his error last time out.
The up-and-coming duo of Nico Williams and Alejandro Balde started against Japan, but Ferran Torres and Jordi Alba are expected to return to the first XI for the knockout stages.
Starting XI
Morocco XI: Bono; Mazraoui, Aguerd, Saïss, Hakimi; Amrabat, Amallah, Ounahi; Boufal, En-Nesyri, Ziyech
Spain XI: Simon; Llorente, Rodri, Laporte, Alba; Gavi, Busquets, Pedri; Torres, Asensio, Olmo
Start time: 3pm GMT
TV: ITV 1
Live stream: ITV X
Predictions
Morocco must harness every inch of their recent defensive resilience if they are to secure a first-ever appearance in the quarter-finals, and Regragui’s attackers should also take confidence from La Roja’s frailties at the back against Japan.
When they click into gear, Spain are a true force to be reckoned with in the final third too, and an extensive list of attacking options on the bench could end up making the difference for Enrique’s side if the teams cannot be separated after 90 minutes. – Morocco 1-2 Spain (SportsMole)
Morocco are set to pull off this World Cup’s next big upset and see Spain out of the competition. Morocco 2-1 Spain (WTX Sports)
