Surprise tournament quarter-finalists Morocco will look to continue their impressive streak as they take on Portugal in Saturday’s World Cup action.
Morocco has never advanced this far in a World Cup, while even for a proud soccer nation like Portugal – they too haven’t advanced to the semi-finals since back in 2006. As this is likely the last chance for Cristiano Ronaldo to see World Cup glory, these matches suddenly become all the more pivotal.
OFFICIAL: Cristiano Ronaldo is on the bench for Portugal's World Cup quarterfinal vs. Morocco 🚨 pic.twitter.com/JjVpWWxlWi
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 10, 2022
Morocco also represents the first-ever Arab nation to reach this stage of the World Cup, and clearly the Qatar supporters and all those throughout the Middle East have backed them. The Atlas Lions have conceded just one goal this tournament, an own goal against Canada. They’ve been rapid and clinical in the attack, and are as well-organized and disciplined as any side in the tourney.
Achraf Hakimi celebrating with his mother after Morocco's win against Belgium is everything ❤️🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/GgAaM0nXl6
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 27, 2022
For Portugal, though they will possess a clear skill advantage, that won’t mean all that much in a do-or-die scenario on Saturday afternoon. Fernando Santos has benched Ronaldo and turned the roster over to the youth and the incoming next generation. It’s a bold move, but one that paid off handsomely against Switzerland in the round of 16. Portugal dominated from start to finish, clearly showing their attacking dominance.
Morocco 🇲🇦 star Hakim Zayech has never taken a single dollar while playing for his country (since 2015). He donates it all to team staff and poor families in his native Morocco. pic.twitter.com/n4xUl1XdGf
— Khaled Beydoun (@KhaledBeydoun) December 9, 2022
Continue reading on beneath the posted odds and betting history, for the latest news, trends, and information to help you make an informed decision when betting on this year’s World Cup. With all that is on the line, this quarter-final Portugal vs. Morocco match surely won’t disappoint. Enjoy the game, folks!
Portugal vs. Morocco Live Odds & Betting History
Betting odds provided by BOVADA
| TEAMS | PORTUGAL | MOROCCO |
| MONEYLINE | -130 | +500 |
| SPREAD | -1 (-130) | +1 (+110) |
| TOTAL | Over 2.5 (+100) | Under 2.5 (-120) |
| TEAM DATA | PORTUGAL | MOROCCO |
| Overall Record | 3-0-1 | 2-2-0 |
| Home/Away Record | 2-0-1 | 1-2-0 |
| Expected Goals | 2.55 | 2.19 |
| Expected Goals Allowed | 1.33 | 1.25 |
| Clean Sheets | 40% | 60% |
Portugal vs. Morocco Prediction
With dominant players across the pitch, this should be a thrilling encounter – especially as both teams like to play on the ball, and play with pace. In Saturday’s quarter-final, expect Morocco to revert back to a tactic that worked well for them in qualifying, and look to strike quickly on the counter. They’ve got great speed in transition, particularly in their midfield, and will look to catch Portugal napping on the break.
Morocco is stout defensively, regularly stifling the opposition, and barely conceding any quality chances against. They work hard and possess excellent squad fitness. Against Spain, this group collectively covered 91 miles as a team, and though their style isn’t the prettiest – it has been effective. Beyond this, when they need moments of quality, the likes of Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech have stepped up to provide game-breaking plays. That’s a tandem that Morocco will need to score on Saturday.
Goncalo Ramos is the youngest man to score a hat trick in a FIFA World Cup knock-out match after Pele 👶👏 pic.twitter.com/WxDQgDYtvM
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 6, 2022
For Portugal, despite Morocco’s success thus far – Fernando Santos’ side remains heavily favoured entering this clash. They possess a clear skill advantage, and with Ronaldo on the bench – it’s unlocked a new level of ball distribution and quality from youngster Goncalo Ramos. The young striker netted a hat-trick with Ronaldo on the sidelines, and he, along with Joao Felix and Bruno Fernandes are as lethal of a front-three remaining in the World Cup. Look for their skill and pace to really overwhelm and break down a Morocco back-line.
Beyond the starters, you can’t sleep on Ronaldo coming on late in the match as a substitute. A fresh and energized striker of his quality should be a thorn in the sides to Morocco’s defense – especially after just playing a gruelling 120-minute match vs. Spain a few days ago.
I would possibly look to start Rafael Leão today against Morocco, in a front 3 with Gonçalo Ramos and João Félix
His ability to open up space, exploit space and run in behind could be key for Portugal.
Morocco are very good when the ball is in front of them …#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/4XBnh0mZXh— Antonio Mango (@AntonioMango4) December 10, 2022
While Morocco will focus on an all-out defensive strategy, the Portuguese are the first side they have played that can and will break them down. They’re too talented not to find openings across the entire 90 minutes, and expect their skill to win out on Saturday.
Portugal vs. Morocco Trends To Know:
- Portugal is 4-0-1 in its last 5 games.
. - Portugal is 1-0-1 in 2 World Cup games vs Morocco.
. - Morocco is 5-3-0 over its last 8 games.
- Morocco are undefeated in their last 5 matches (FIFA World Cup).
- Portugal recorded the second biggest win of this year’s World Cup as they beat Switzerland 6-1 to book their place in the quarter-finals. They have reached this stage of the World Cup on two previous occasions and in both instances they reached the semi-finals.
While the Moroccans have been excellent on this dream run, expect Portugal to bring them back down to reality on Saturday. They’re too skilled across the pitch, and Morocco simply will not be able to keep them out for 90 minutes. Morocco hasn’t been used to trailing at Qatar 2022, and conceding early will force them into a style of match they aren’t comfortable or used to. Expect Portugal to roll here inside the 90 minutes.
