The penultimate last-16 clash of the 2022 World Cup goes down at Education City Stadium on Tuesday afternoon, with Morocco and Spain going head-to-head.
Morocco booked their place in the knockout phase by finishing top of Group F, outperforming Croatia and eliminating Belgium and Canada.
🛑 ¡¡PAAAAARADÓN DE UNAIIIIII!! 😌 Sí, también en los entrenamientos. #VamosEspaña | #Catar2022 pic.twitter.com/BWAeeVVEEB— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) December 4, 2022
🛑 ¡¡PAAAAARADÓN DE UNAIIIIII!! 😌 Sí, también en los entrenamientos. #VamosEspaña | #Catar2022 pic.twitter.com/BWAeeVVEEB
Meanwhile, Spain punched their ticket to the last 16 by finishing second in Group E. Luis Enrique’s side finished behind Japan and edge out Germany on goal difference.
It is worth noting that Morocco head into the knockouts following an unbeaten group-stage campaign, having taken seven points from a possible nine.
After recording a goalless draw with Croatia, the North Africans beat Belgium 2-0 before claiming a 2-1 victory over Canada.
When you look at the bigger picture, the Moroccans have avoided defeat in each of their last eight outings across all competitions – picking up six wins and eight draws.
Having kept six clean sheets in their previous seven encounters, the Atlas Lions will fancy their chances of frustrating Spain.
As for La Roja, they kicked off their campaign with a 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica – racking up 82% possession and 17 shots in a dominant victory.
However, they stumbled into the knockout phase. Following a 1-1 draw with Germany, they lost 2-1 to Japan last time out.
The defeat to Japan was only Spain’s second loss in 12 games during 2022. Meanwhile, they have claimed seven wins and three draws this year.
Also, let’s not forget that Spain have lost just seven of their previous 59 games across all competitions – underlining their undeniable strength.
Head-to-head: Morocco and Spain have faced each other three times over the years, with La Roja claiming two wins and a draw.
The teams met during the group stage of the 2018 World Cup. On that occasion, Morocco held Spain to 2-2 draw in Russia.
Team news: Morocco’s danger man is Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech, who has grabbed a goal and an assist in Qatar. Youssef En-Nesyri and Achraf Hakimi are also dangerous.
On the flip side, Alvaro Morata has scored three goals at this World Cup. He will be hoping to start on Tuesday after coming off the bench in the first two games.
Despite Morocco’s impressive recent performances, Spain should have enough quality to overcome the Atlas Lions and advance to the last eight.
Forebet predicts that both teams will score on Tuesday. However, Spain are expected to outscore Morocco and qualify for the quarter-finals.