Morocco will face Portugal in the 1/4 finals of the 2022 World Cup. Will the Moroccans be able to create another sensation?
Morocco
The national team of Morocco started the tournament with a draw with Croatia (0-0), and in the next match of the group stage achieved the first victory at the Qatar World Cup, coping with Belgium with a score of 2-0. In the third round, it was enough not to lose to Canada to get a ticket to the 1/8 finals, but the Moroccans decided not to settle for the minimum, beating the Maple Leafs (2-1). Then it was time for the first round of the playoffs, in which Spain was in contention. Of course, the European team was a clear favorite, but the national team of Morocco was not confused by this status. She did not miss in regular time, kept the gate locked and within the extra time, and then won in a penalty shootout, and dry (3-0).
Portugal
But for the Portuguese national team, the 1/8 finals stage turned out to be an easy walk. With a score of 6-1, we managed to beat Switzerland and continue the battle for the trophy. After the first half, the Portuguese won 2-0, after the break they brought the score to 4-0, then conceded, but they kept the last word, scoring twice more. Portugal did not have any special problems in the group stage either. She started with a victory over Ghana (3-2), then consolidated Victoria's success over Uruguay (2-0), and only stumbled in the third round, losing to South Korea (1-2), but the loss did not affect the standings in any way, the first place of group H was retained.
Statistics and figures:
- Morocco goes undefeated - three wins and a draw;
- Portugal has three wins in four matches;
- The teams met twice - Morocco won 3-1, and Portugal 1-0.
Forecast
The Moroccans have already met with three serious national teams, including Croatia, Belgium and Spain, and have never lost, having won two victories. But this is where the fairy tale should end, since Portugal now surpasses the level of play of the listed teams, demonstrating more attacking and productive football. In the main time, I have to cope with the Moroccan national team, which has already achieved an excellent result.
