Surprise packages Morocco will take on Portugal in the World Cup quarterfinal on Saturday. Spain’s thousand passes were met with resistance from the Atlas Lions, who prevented La Roja from scoring during regulation play, extra time, or even the shootout. Portugal destroyed Switzerland with a newly discovered attacking fluency that was discovered in Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence, whilst Morocco’s second-round success (and their entire tournament) was defined by defensive resolve.
Morocco team news
It’s possible that Morocco’s historic victory against Spain came at a cost during the two hours of draining play. In the final exchanges of standard time, Nayef Aguerd was compelled to leave due to a muscular ailment. While Romain Saiss, his center-back partner, stayed on the field, he needed extensive care for his thigh. Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui, both fullbacks, had been dealing with injuries throughout the tournament before returning to play, and Sofyan Amrabat overcame a back injury to shine against Spain.
Portugal team news
Since breaking his ribs in practice, Danilo Pereira and Nuno Mendes have been forced to watch from the sidelines. With a hamstring injury last month, Mendes was forced to withdraw from the World Cup, while Pereira is still recovering.
Morocco vs Portugal World Cup score prediction
Despite not being overworked in open play, Yassine Bounou was the hero against Spain after saving two penalties in the shootout. Only two countries have allowed fewer shots on goal throughout the World Cup than meek Morocco. Portugal was ruthless offensively against the Swiss, but it was an offensive performance out of character with their campaign thus far. Portugal scored as many goals against Switzerland as they had managed throughout the whole group stage. That was unquestionably achieved by the European Championship champion in a performance that might cause plenty of issues for this renowned but possibly depleted Moroccan rearguard.
Prediction: Morocco 1-2 Portugal
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