Portugal – Morocco

Portugal and Morocco will square off on Wednesday in Group B of the World Cup, with the Moroccans set to play their last card for qualification after being shocked by Iran in the first match.

Portugal is coming after a 3-3 draw with Spain in the most exciting match of the World Cup so far, with Cristiano’s hattrick carrying his team to a very good result. Portugal led twice in the match but eventually they were very happy with a draw, as they equalized in the last minutes with Ronaldo’s free kick. Now with one point and two matches to go against Morocco and Iran, the reigning European Champions are in a very good position to qualify.

Morocco controlled their match against Iran, holding over 60% possession and having the bigger chances to score in a rather boring match. However, they were punished by a 95th minute own goal, and now find themselves in an almost impossible situation. It was a surprising loss considering Morocco has a good team and entered the World Cup in top form, but Iran are also a better team than most think, especially defensively.

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Team news & lineups:

Portugal will be at full strength, while Morocco will be without Nordin Amrabat and possibly Nabil Dirar (who also missed the first match).

Portugal: Rui Patricio – Soares, Fonte, Pepe, Guerreiro – Moutinho, Carvalho – Silva, Fernandes, Guedes – Ronaldo

Morocco: Mohamedi – Hakimi, Saiss, Benatia, Mendyl – Ahmadi, Boussoufa – Ziyech, Belhanda, Harit – Kaabi

Portugal is a heavy favorite coming into this match, but it must not be forgotten that Morocco is still a solid, well organized team. They might have lost against Iran, but they were unlucky, and Iran is also a disciplined, cohesive side which is not easy to break down.

Morocco is built on the back of a competent defense, which allowed exactly zero goals in the qualifying group in 6 games. They will rely yet again on their defense here against Portugal, considering the fact that a loss would see the Africans officially knocked out of the World Cup. Sure, Morocco wouldn`t have too many chances with a draw either, but against a superior side like Portugal they will have to make sure not to lose first, and maybe try to force the victory in the later stages of the match. As such, expect Morocco to play cautious and use their solid defense.

As for Portugal, they are also a team which relies mostly on defense. Well, mostly on Ronaldo, and then on their defense, which allowed 4 goals in 10 qualifying games. They might have scored 3 goals against Spain, but they converted 100% of their shots on target. Also, the match was broken open by that dodgy early penalty.

Portugal will be a favorite to qualify even with a draw here. While they would like a win to remain in position to attack the first place, they don`t need to take many risks.

Taking into account the circumstances and the fact that both teams defend well, a low scoring game could be on the cards. Expect Morocco to sit back and try not to fall behind, while Portugal has no reason to rush things. The circumstances suggest that both teams will first and foremost try not to lose.

My tip is under 2,5 goals to be scored, I can see a 0-0 or 1-0 here. Prediction: Portugal – Morocco 0-0.

Pick: under 2,5 goals
Odds: 1.70 @ 1xBet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 5.60
Event date: 20 June