Education City plays host to a tremendous last-16 clash as Morocco pits its wits against a fluid Spanish side.
Morocco took full advantage of the shortcomings of the teams that were thought of as favourites before the group stages began. A faltering Belgium side and a tepid Croatian outfit could not stop the Africans from stealing a march and topping the group.
While the Moroccans remain jubilant after a string of fantastic results, it’s time to refocus on the big task at hand against Spain. Walid Regragui’s side have a huge challenge in front of them and knows the importance of maintaining composure. This Moroccan side are on an 8-game unbeaten run in all competitions and conceded only 2 goals in that period.
They have only played at this stage of the tournament once before back in 1986, and Regragui will aim for the quarters at least. Morocco could make continental history with a victory over Spain. They can match Cameroon’s long-standing 5 games unbeaten run between 1982 and 1990.
Spanish hearts stopped for a brief 75 seconds period during their clash with Japan when Costa Rica went ahead against Germany. La Roja were effectively staring at an early exit from the tournament, but have Germany to thank for defeating the Africans.
While Spain couldn’t return the favour to Germany, they will remain grateful for seeing through what was the most surprising group result of this World Cup. Japan, incredibly topped the group and defeated both top teams in Germany and Spain. Luis Enrique will have been furious with his charges for the lapses in performances seen in the last two games.
After the huge victory over Costa Rica on matchday, Spain have barely made their chances count as their fluidity have all been in vain. They should be under no illusion their style can take them through, but this team has the right mix of experience and youth to make things dazzle.
Enrique will certainly hope this forthcoming clash has no repeat performance from their game against Morocco at the 2018 World Cup, which finished 2-2. However, a similar contest could transpire at Education City as the two nations look to make their mark in Qatar.
Team News & Tactics
Morocco
Regragui could name an unchanged side against Spain despite few fitness concerns with his usual starters. Achraf Hakimi is nursing an ankle problem and sat out of full training on Saturday. The right-back is likely to be passed fit for the Spanish encounter.
📷 صور الحصة التدريبية للمنتخب الوطني
Getting closer to the next match 🔜#DimaMaghrib 🇲🇦 #TeamMorocco #FIFAWorldCup @pumafootball pic.twitter.com/lZKsCAQ6rW
— Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) December 4, 2022
The manager will relish having Yassine Bounou, who came unscathed against Canada and seems to have put the earlier problem behind him. Many regulars like Hakim Ziyech, Sofiane Boufal, and Sofyan Amrabat afforded some much-needed rest and should be fit for the game.
Romain Saiss and Nayef Agued will once again form the central defensive partnership. Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui as full-backs. Amrabat will hold the midfield together with Abdelhamid Sabiri and Azzedine Ounahi on either side.
Ziyech will once more lead the attacking lineup, with Youssef En-Nesyri starting in the central role. Boufal will take his spot on the left side of the front three, as Morocco will look to cause Spain plenty of problems with their movements in the final third.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3) – Bono; Hakimi, Aguerd, Saiss, Mazraoui; Ounahi, Amrabat, Sabiri; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal
Spain
Enrique is not expected to make any huge or surprising changes to his lineup, although there could be a few tweaks. For instance, Ferran Torres and Jordi Alba could come in for Nico Williams and Alejandro Balde. Cesar Azpilicueta could also drop down to the bench in favour of Dani Carvajal.
🗣️ "Tenemos muchas ganas y ambición de darles a los aficionados lo que se merecen".
La joven estrella de la @SEFutbol subraya el gran nivel de Marruecos de cara a los octavos y las ganas de ambos por superar la eliminatoria.
ℹ️ https://t.co/iX6kXHgdm8#VamosEspaña | #Catar2022 pic.twitter.com/5JZCJczLDU
— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) December 5, 2022
The manager will also keep a firm eye on the fitness of a few stars such as Dani Olmo, David Raya and Azpilicueta were all away from practice on Friday. While the latter two are not expected to start, Olmo certainly will have a place in Enrique’s attacking setup.
Enrique could also bring Aymeric Laporte back into central defence in place of Pau Torres, as Rodri will keep his place at the back. Alvaro Morata will lead the line, with Olmo and Torres on either side.
Enrique is unlikely to tinker things with his midfield, as Sergio Busquets will remain in the holding position, with electric youngsters Pedri and Gavi on either side. This is a team that can be prolific on its day but can show vulnerabilities, something the manager will look to avoid.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3) – Simon; Carvajal, Rodri, Laporte, Alba; Gavi, Busquets, Pedri; Torres, Morata, Olmo
Key Stats
- Spain have never suffered back-to-back World Cup exits at the round-of-16 stages in their history.
- Spain have the joint-most amount of goals (9) alongside England in this World Cup.
- Morocco are on an eight-game unbeaten run in all competitions, conceding only twice during this period.
- Morocco are unbeaten in 4-World Cup games.
- Morocco have never gone past the round-of-16 stages, last reaching there in 1986.
Player to Watch
Rodri
Rodri’s performances for Spain have gone under the radar this World Cup. He’s so underrated 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/vR1htQzdXs
— 𝟙𝟟 (@DxBruyneSZN) December 1, 2022
A problem for Spain is not centred around creating chances or scoring goals but keeping a tight lid at the back. The idea of Rodri in central defence is a testament to Enrique’s thinking and the player’s ability on the ball. While the Man City star has done well in an unfamiliar role, it’s time to shore up the ideas.
Spain have conceded more than they would have liked and it nearly cost them a place in the next round. Rodri has been a rock at the back and will have to show his best ability in the role. As much as Spain’s chances to progress will depend on their attackers, having crucial men like the Man City man will prove crucial.
Prediction
Morocco 1-2 Spain
Whenever a game of such magnitude comes along, Spain are always the overwhelming favourite. That’s the case for this clash, as La Roja are expected winners in Education City. However, Morocco have proved they can trouble some of the top sides in this tournament and will set out to do so again.
Morocco can look to exploit the chinks in the Spanish armour and get something in their favour. Spain’s fluency in midfield and the final third will prove crucial in this game, as Enrique’s men could narrowly win this contest.
