On Saturday afternoon, Morocco and Portugal go head-to-head in the last eight of World Cup 2022.
Morocco form guideThe Atlas Lions booked their place in the quarter-final of the World Cup by beating Spain in a penalty shootout after the game finished goalless in normal and extra time. Madrid-born Achraf Hakimi fired home the winning spot kick in the shootout.
Morocco head into this clash on the back of a strong recent run of form, as they are unbeaten in their last nine international games. Walid Regragui’s team have been superb in defence of late, as they have kept clean sheets in seven of their previous eight matches.
The north African team are now also unbeaten in their last five games at the World Cup, having kept clean sheets in three of their previous four matches in the competition.
Portugal form guideFernando Santos’s team hammered Switzerland 6-1 in the last 16. Benfica starlet Goncalo Ramos was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick and also picking up an assist. The victory is Portugal’s fourth in their last five games.
The Selecao have looked highly dangerous in attack of late, having scored at least two goals in four of their last five games.
Portugal has a recent mixed record at the World Cup. However, they have won three of their last four games in the competition. Their recent World Cup record has undoubtedly improved in Qatar.
Latest team newsMorocco will be without West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd through injury. Former Wolves star Roman Saiss is also an injury doubt after going off injured in the game against Spain.
Portugal will be without full-back Nuno Mendes, who won’t feature again at the World Cup due to injury. Danilo Pereira is also likely to miss out through injury.
What am I backing?Morocco have proven to be highly disciplined and tough to beat in recent months. However, Portugal were outstanding against Switzerland, and I am backing the Selecao to record a narrow victory.
