Morocco look to continue their fairy-tale story at the Qatar World Cup as they face an in-form Portugal side in the quarter-finals. See Last Word on Football’s Morocco Predicted Lineup vs Portugal.
Morocco Predicted Lineup vs Portugal
🚨HERE WE ARE
🏆WC Quarter Finals
Morocco🇲🇦 🆚 Portugal🇵🇹
🏟️ Al Thumama Stadium, Qatar
🕕 4PM (Gmt+1)#DimaMaghrib #TeamMorocco #FIFAWorldCup @pumafootball pic.twitter.com/03JXP2SozX— Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) December 9, 2022
How Morocco Has Lined-up Recently
Morocco have exceeded all expectations at the World Cup so far, as they’ve brushed aside teams like Belgium and Spain en route to the quarter-finals and are flying high in terms of confidence. The admirable thing about Walid Regregui’s side is that they’ve been utterly fearless in their approach so far.
The front three of Hakim Ziyech, Sofiane Boufal and Youssef En-Nesyri have been a tormenting factor with their trickery and speed in the final third. Sofyan Amrabat has been a solid presence shielding the centre-backs from the defensive midfield spot, while fellow midfielders, Azzedine Ounahi and Selim Amallah, help facilitate their speedy attackers in transition.
Morocco’s backline has also been a tightly-knit one. Captain Romain Saiss has led from the front with his aggressive style, with Jawad El Yamiq partnering with him valiantly. Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi has been a standout both defensively and going forward, where he adds a lot of threats with his pace and accurate crossing. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou is an excellent shot-stopper and has proven to be tough to score past, as Morocco will hope their ‘golden generation’ can maintain their good form in the clash with Portugal.
Morocco Recent Form
Regregui’s side played a lot of international football before their participation in the Qatar World Cup, mostly because they didn’t want to be underprepared for the competition. Morocco played 13 games before the tournament, winning eight of those matches and only losing twice.
Despite not being favourites to progress from their group, Morocco ousted the odds in dramatic fashion. After playing out a hard-fought draw in the opening game against Croatia, they outclassed Belgium in the second game to take a huge step forward to Round of 16 qualifications.
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They went on to win their final game against Canada, which helped them win their group; something not many would’ve predicted. Morocco faced a dangerous Spain side in the Round of 16. They frustrated their opponents well enough to drag the game to penalties, where Bono’s heroics helped them pick up an upset win and move on to the quarter-finals.
Morocco Tactics
Morocco have displayed a patient style of play that shows a contentedness without possession while waiting for an opportune moment to unleash their pacy attackers. Against Spain, the team sat back in a low block and invited the inevitable pressure and tried to break into the open space created by their advancing opposition. They mostly relied on their pacy full-backs to support their attacking options down the flanks as they exploited the space behind Spain. Ultimately the game ended in a stalemate, however, Morocco have shown in previous games that they are capable of scoring against quality teams.
Their front three of Ziyech-Boufal-En-Nesyri has been extremely flexible, troubling opposition defenders with their link-up play as well as some creative movement. Boufal has troubled defenders with his brilliant dribbling, while Ziyech has been on-point with his fantastic delivery. Amrabat has commanded things superbly in midfield, making necessary tackles and not being afraid of making fouls to disrupt play.
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Morocco’s defensive structure has been solid, as they’ve only conceded one goal in four games. The back four has been nearly impenetrable and when they are ousted, Bono is always there to make saves. Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui are not only working hard at the back but adding a lot of width and attacking support through the wings to help add more creativity to his side.
Moreover, Regragui’s side is also prolific in set-pieces – with Ziyech’s brilliant crosses helping set up major chances for them in those situations. Morocco’s counter-attacking threat is a formidable one, with their quick frontline lapping onto whatever chances they get. Morocco are very likely to maintain their fearless approach against Portugal, not allowing them too much room to operate in, frustrating them with their stubborn defending and looking to hit them on the fast breaks as well as set-pieces.
Morocco Injuries to Consider
Morocco could be without defender Nayef Aguerd for their upcoming game against Portugal after he suffered a knock against Spain. However, captain Romain Saiss should be fit for the match – despite suffering a knock in the last match.
Morocco Predicted Lineup
Yassine Bounou; Achraf Hakimi, Jawad El Yamiq, Romain Saiss, Noussair Mazraoui; Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, Selim Amallah; Hakim Ziyech, Sofiane Boufal, Youssef En-Nesyri
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
