Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Free Tips | Morocco vs Portugal: Quarter Final

Morocco vs Portugal Match Details

Match: Morocco vs Portugal, Quarter Final | Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup

Date: 11 December 2022

Time: 9.30 PM (GMT+6), 9 PM (GMT+5.5)

Venue: Al Thumama Stadium, Qatar

Morocco vs Portugal Preview

Morocco and Portugal will meet in the quarter-finals of the World Cup football, known as the Greatest Show on Earth.

Morocco beat Spain in a tiebreaker in the last 16 match. On the other hand, Portugal confirmed the quarter-final ticket by defeating Switzerland 6-1.

Before facing Spain, Morocco drew with Croatia and defeated mighty Belgium. They are already known as giant killers in tournaments. They are the only team outside of the top 12 teams in the FIFA rankings to qualify for the quarter-finals. If they beat Portugal to reach the semi-finals, it will be the biggest success in Morocco’s history.

On the other hand, the once-Ronaldo-dependent Portugal team crushed Switzerland 6-1 in the last match without Ronaldo. 21-year-old Ramos, who came in for Ronaldo, scored a hat-trick in the first match. If he shines in this match too, Morocco’s dream journey may end here.

Morocco, the 22nd-ranked team in FIFA rankings, is set to face ninth-ranked Portugal. Morocco is undoubtedly going to face a tough test.

Morocco vs Portugal Match Highlights

Morocco have already proved their mettle against bigger opponents. Morocco’s big success was undoubtedly keeping the mighty Spain scoreless in regulation time in a tiebreaker win over Spain. Even though they managed to keep the ball in possession for 77 percent of the time, it was not possible for Spain to break the defensive fortress of Morocco. A strong defense can protect them in this match as well. Besides, the team will also look at goalkeeper Yasin Bono, the hero of the victory against the penalty, in this match. Besides, the team’s main star, Hakeem, the best player of the match against Spain, can also shine in this match.

On the other hand, Portugal has announced that Ronaldo will come out of dependence. Accumulating six goals on the score sheet without Ronaldo is undoubtedly a huge achievement. This big win will give them a lot of confidence. And the team will be looking at Ramos playing instead of Ronaldo.

Morocco vs Portugal Head to Head

Morocco and Portugal have met twice so far. Where both teams won once.

Morocco vs Portugal Team News

Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguirre’s performance will depend on pre-match fitness tests. Roma is likely to play with a hamstring injury. But Aguirre’s chances of playing due to groin injury are slim.

On the other hand, Portugal will play without Thai injured Gomez. Besides, Danilo Pereira could not be fit yet. So there is no chance to see him in the field.

Morocco vs Portugal Squad

Morocco squad

Goalkeepers: Yasin Bono, Munir, Ahmed Reda Tagnauti

Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Nayef Aguirre, Achraf Dari, Jawad El-Yamik, Yahya Attiat-Allal, BadrBenoun, NusairMazraoui, Romain Saiss.

Midfielders: Sofian Amrabat, AzedineOnahi, Bilel El Khanous, Yahya Jabren, Salim Amallah, Abdelhamid Sabiri.

Forwards: Hakim Ziyach, Youssef N-Nessiri, Amine Harit, Elias Chair, AbderrazakHamdallah, Walid Chedira, Sofiane Boufal, Zakaria Abukhlal, Eze Abde.

Portugal squad

Goalkeepers: Rui Patricio (AS Roma),  Diogo Costa (FC Porto), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC)

Defenders: Antonio Silva (SL Benfica), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Pepe (FC Porto),  Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Rafael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund), Joao Cancelo (Manchester City), Danilo Pereira (PSG)

Midfielders:Ruben Neves (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC),  Joao Palhinha (Fulhampton Wanderers FC),  Otavio Monteiro (FC Porto), Joao Mario (SL Benfica), Matthews Nunes (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), Vitinha (PSG), William Carvalho (Real Betis), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Forwards:Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid),  Rafael Leo (AC Milan), Andre Silva (RB Leipzig), Ricardo Horta (SC Braga), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Goncalo Ramos (SL Benfica)

Morocco vs Portugal Prediction

Scorecard: Morocco 1-2 Portugal

Morocco has won six matches, and drawn three matches out of nine matches in all competitions.  Morocco has won two matches so far in this world cup. 

On the other hand, Portugal drew one match, won five matches, and lost two games in their last seven matches in all competitions. Considering the statistics, it may seem that the Portugal team is clearly ahead. But Switzerland is not a weak team. In their day they can change the equation.