The surprise winners of Group F look to keep their run going in these Morocco vs. Spain World Cup predictions. Luis Enrique’s side might be favourites, but have won just once in the tournament and will be wary of their opponent’s pace.
Morocco vs. Spain odds
1 – Spain to win – 3/5
2 – Both teams to score – 7/5
3 – Hakim Ziyech to score anytime – 8/1
4 – Under 2.5 goals scored – 5/7
5 – Morocco to win in extra-time – 25/1
The winners of Group F and the runners-up of Group E face off on Tuesday afternoon, as Morocco take on Spain. This round of 16 clash may be one of the hardest to call, with La Roja undoubtedly favourites on paper, but the Atlas Lions clearly the in-form team.
Spain’s qualification from the group stage was highly fortunate, outdoing Germany on goal difference alone. Luis Enrique’s side only won one of their three games, with defeat at the hands of Japan theoretically placing them on the easier side of the draw moving forward.
The 2010 World Cup winners might not be the side they once were, but have plenty of quality within the team and are rightfully favourites to progress to the quarterfinals.
That being said, Tuesday’s clash will be far from easy for the La Roja, with Morocco proving themselves highly capable competitors. Walid Regragui’s side are unbeaten in the tournament so far, despite being in a group with Croatia, Belgium and Canada.
Morocco have plenty of quality in their squad, with two pacey fullbacks on top of their game, two creative wingers ahead of them, and a prolific centre forward. With Hakim Ziyech in fine form, a bet on the Chelsea winger to break the deadlock – perhaps from a set piece – could well pay off.
Spain have looked far from effective defensively and, given their possession-based style, have been vulnerable to counter-attacks as seen against Japan. Against a team with so much pace, a bet on both teams to score might be a solid move.
The Atlas Lions have proven themselves effective not just going forward, but also in game management. Against Croatia, Regragui had his side drop deep and frustrate their opposition – a tactic that could well be employed to Spain’s detriment on Tuesday.
Morocco may look to take the game into extra time to raise the pressure on the heavy favourites. A bet on under 2.5 goals scored could therefore be a winner, while an against-the-odds bet on the African side to progress in extra time may also be worth a look.
How to stream Morocco vs. Spain
Tune in to World Cup action with your domestic entertainment provider.
Morocco vs. Spain last five matches
Morocco last five matches
Spain last five matches
Morocco top World Cup goalscorers
| Player | Total goals |
|---|---|
| 2 | |
| 1 | |
| 1 | |
| 1 | |
| 1 |
Spain top World Cup goalscorers
| Player | Total goals |
|---|---|
| 3 | |
| 2 | |
| 1 | |
| 1 | |
| 1 |
Morocco vs. Spain line-ups
Morocco (4-3-3) Bounou; Hakimi, Aguerd, Saiss, Mazraoui; Ounahi, Amrabat, Amallah; Ziyech, El-Nesyri, Boufal
Spain (4-3-3) Simon; Azpilicueta, Rodri, Laporte, Alba; Gavi, Busquets, Pedri; Torres, Morata, Olmo
Morocco team news
Few changes are expected from Walid Regragui following a solid group stage campaign. Selim Amallah may return to the midfield to provide a more defensive option over Abdelhamid Sabiri, with Abdessamad Ezzalzouli the only absentee through injury.
Spain team news
Luis Enrique will be keen to avoid mistakes made in the second half of the Japan game, with Alvaro Morata and Cesar Azpilicueta both expected to start on Tuesday. Jordi Alba will also be in the first XI given the injury to Jose Gaya, while Ferran Torres might return to the line-up in front of Nico Williams.