Spain aim to end a two-match winless run at the Qatar World Cup when they face the giant-killers Morocco in the Round of 16 clash. See Last Word on Football’s Spain predicted lineup for their Round of 16 match against Morocco.
Spain Predicted Lineup vs Morocco
How Spain Have Lined-up Recently
Luis Enrique’s side have been in really topsy-turvy form at the Qatar World Cup so far, having won just one out of their three games in the group stages. They seem to be lacking a cutting-edge in their game, which is holding them back.
La Roja have been pleased to continue with their patient 4-3-3 formation in the competition. The midfield trio is unchangeable, with Barcelona midfielders Sergio Busquets, Pedri and Gavi enticing Enrique enough to start every game. Dani Olmo has been impressive enough to keep starting, while Ferran Torres has also featured heavily. Alvaro Morata has scored three goals and is their highest scorer, so should keep starting.
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At the back, Rodri continues playing as a centre-back and is unlikely to be replaced. Jordi Alba was rested for the Japan game, but should be back to start this one alongside right-back Dani Carvajal. Aymeric Laporte is likely to return too. The Spanish gaffer will hope his side are just ruthless enough to move past the hard-working Morocco side.
Spain Recent Form
La Roja have maintained a decent run of form in 2022 so far, as they headed into the World Cup on the back of some impressive form. They played nine games in this year heading into the competition and managed to win six of them, only losing once.
They started the Qatar World Cup in a highly impressive fashion. Spain managed to silence all their doubters in their opening match against Costa Rica, defeating them 7-0. There is yet to be a team to repeat such a major win in this tournament. However, their form has fallen since then.
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Despite taking the lead against Germany, they ended up being held to a draw. They also went ahead against Japan, but got their guards down and allowed the Asian heavyweights to pull off an upset win, with the last two results ruining their reputation of being considered one of the favourites.
Spain Tactics
Spain have stuck with their style of completely dominating the possession and trying to bore their opponents into submission. They recorded over 80% ball possession against Costa Rica and Japan, as well as 64% against Germany. Enrique’s philosophy is to promote quick-passing, attacking football that frustrates the opposition players.
To their credit, they are playing some smooth passing football and every player is equally important for that to happen. Be it goalkeeper Unai Simon or midfielder Sergio Busquets, everyone is responsible for the build-up play. The Barcelona midfield trio are key in helping control the tempo of the matches, as they get the ball from the defenders before moving it around and trying to find empty spaces for their forwards to pounce on.
Ferran and Olmo have both been unpredictable with their approach, often drifting into the middle from the right areas and troubling goalkeepers. Morata has proven himself as a clinical goal-scorer, but he still needs to glisten up his finishing a bit. Spain tend to create a lot of chances with their quick-fire attacking style, but the forwards – as well as advancing midfielders like Gavi – need to be very sharp in front of the goal. They can’t afford to waste major chances anymore.
Spain Injuries to Consider
Spain defender Cesar Azpilicueta suffered a knock in training recently and could be a doubt for this one. Dani Olmo suffered a little niggle, but should be able to recover in time for this major game at the World Cup.
Spain Predicted Lineup
Unai Simon, Dani Carvajal, Rodi, Aymeric Laporte, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Gavi, Pedri, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, Alvaro Morata
Last Word on Football recognise Qatar’s human rights abuses and instances of corruption taking place throughout the nation and in the background of the World Cup. Learn more about some of the issues surrounding the World Cup here.
