FIFA World Cup 2022 Quarter-Final: Portugal vs Morocco prediction

Overview

Four years ago, Portugal lost in the round of 16 to Uruguay, though a group-stage game against Morocco was “possibly the most difficult match” the team faced, Santos, earlier said. As for Morocco, the nation is in uncharted territory after becoming only the fourth African country to reach the quarterfinals at soccer’s biggest tournament, after Cameroon (1990), Senegal (2002) and Ghana (2010). None of them reached the semifinals.

Teams

Morocco

Morocco is also the only team from outside Europe or South America to make it to the last eight in Qatar. The team’s penalty-shootout victory over Spain in the last 16 sparked wild celebrations not just among its many fans in Qatar and at home. The Arab world’s standard bearer, Morocco is in the quarterfinals on merit, too. The team has only conceded one goal — and that was an own-goal against Canada — and is proving so well-organized, with a sturdy back four headlined by Achraf Hakimi, a dedicated midfield anchored by Sofyan Amrabat, two mercurial wingers in Hakim Ziyech and Sofiane Boufal, and a striker in Youssef En-Nesyri, who occupies defenses with his relentless work rate.

Portugal

Portugal doesn’t appear to have injury problems, with Santos’ squad depth so impressive that he could afford to leave players like Ronaldo, João Cancelo and Rúben Neves on the bench against Switzerland after they started every group game. Even if he is among the substitutes again, Ronaldo — playing in what is likely his last World Cup — is expected to see some time on the field. Given the drama constantly surrounding him, he’s sure to be a talking point whatever happens.

Head-to-Head

The head-to-head record between Morocco and Portugal is evenly poised. Two matches were played between the two, Portugal and Morocco won one each.

Key Players

Some key players from Morocco might be struggling to be healthy enough to play against Portugal, though. Amrabat said he played with a back injury requiring painkilling injections in the match against Spain, during which captain Romain Saiss finished the game with his leg bandaged up after treatment, and fellow center back Nayef Aguerd hobbled off in tears with an apparent thigh injury. For Portugal, it will be silly to keep CR7 in the bench for such a crucial match.

Date, Time & Venue

The Portugal vs Morocco match will be played on December 10 at 08:30 PM (Indian time) in the Al Thumama Stadium, Al Thumama.

Live-streaming Details

The Portugal vs Morocco match will be broadcast live on the Sports18 and Sports18 HD TV channels in India and Jio Cinema’s app and website will both offer free live streaming of the event.

Prediction

The match will head for a 1-1 draw even after 120 minutes. Morocco will win in the penalty shoot-outs.