The World Cup quarter-final match between Morocco and Portugal will take place on December 10 at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha. Kick-off is at 18:00 (Moscow time). Morocco vs. Portugal: prediction and betting odds, statistics for the 2022 World Cup.
Referee: Facundo Tello (Argentina)
Matches – 15 (International matches, 2022);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 68;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.5;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 26;
Penalties – 33%.
Predicted lineups for Morocco vs. Portugal
Morocco: Yassine Bounou, Romain Saiss, Achraf Hakimi, Jawad El Yamiq, Yahya Attiat Allah, Hakim Ziyech, Sofyan Amrabat, Sofiane Boufal, Selim Amallah, Azzedine Ounahi, Youssef En-Nesyri.
Portugal: Diogo Costa, Pepe, Raphael Guerreiro, Ruben Dias, Diogo Dalot, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Neves, Otavio Monteiro, Joao Felix, Goncalo Ramos.
Morocco
The Moroccans continue their unbeaten run at the World Cup in Qatar. After finishing first in Group F with two wins and one draw, they defeated Spain in the round of 16 (0-0, 3-0 on penalties). Morocco qualified for the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in history. Additionally, Morocco became the fourth African team to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, and their coach, Walid Regragui, is the first African manager to achieve this stage in the World Cup.
The undisputed hero of the match against Spain was goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. He became only the second goalkeeper in history to not concede a goal in a penalty shootout at the World Cup. Bounou has been reliable throughout the 2022 World Cup, conceding just one goal in three matches in the tournament.
- Morocco has not lost in their last 5 World Cup matches (2 wins, 3 draws in regular time).
- Moreover, the Moroccans have not lost in the first 90 minutes in 47 previous official matches (33 wins, 14 draws).
- The team has played solid defense, keeping a clean sheet in 4 of their last 5 official matches.
Portugal
Portugal secured their third victory in the 2022 World Cup by thrashing Switzerland 6-1 in the round of 16. The team reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the third time in their history. Notably, Portugal scored six goals in a World Cup playoff match for the first time.
The match between Portugal and Switzerland featured the tournament's first hat-trick, scored by forward Goncalo Ramos, who replaced Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting lineup. Interestingly, this hat-trick was the first in 32 years in the World Cup playoffs. Furthermore, Goncalo Ramos became the youngest player since the legendary Pele to score three goals in a knockout game at the World Cup.
- Portugal plays uncompromising football and has not drawn in their last 9 official matches (6 wins, 3 losses).
- The team has shown a similar trend in the World Cup, with 3 wins and 2 losses in their last 5 matches.
- Portugal has extended their scoring streak to 10 World Cup matches. However, they have conceded in 10 of their last 12 World Cup games.
Morocco vs. Portugal: Match Prediction
Morocco was considered a clear underdog against Spain. However, the Moroccans displayed excellent defensive coordination, preventing the opponent from effectively attacking. Spain managed only two shots on target against Morocco in 120 minutes of play. In the penalty shootout, Yassine Bounou excelled, aided by his knowledge of Spanish players from La Liga matches.
Portugal predictably advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals in Qatar, but few expected such an open game from Fernando Santos' team and weak defense from Switzerland. Portugal converted six of their nine shots on target.
In the upcoming match, it will be much harder for Portugal to breach the opponent's defense. Morocco has played excellent defense in the World Cup in Qatar, not conceding a single goal against teams like Croatia, Belgium, and Spain. Nevertheless, I give a slight edge to the Portuguese team, while expecting a low-scoring match. My prediction: Double chance X2 + Total under 3.5 goals
