Morocco and Portugal face each other this Saturday, at 12h (Brasília time), at the Al Thumama stadium, in Doha, for the quarterfinals of the World Cup in Qatar.
The two teams have faced each other only twice in history, curiously both in World Cups, in the group stage, with one victory for each side. The Moroccans won the first duel 3-1 at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. In 2018, in Russia, Portugal won 1-0, with a goal by Cristiano Ronaldo.
After eliminating Spain, Morocco became the fourth African team to play in the quarterfinals of a World Cup, following in the footsteps of Cameroon (Italy-1990), Senegal (South Korea/Japan-2002) and Ghana (Africa do Sul-2010).
Coach Walid Regragui’s team could continue to make history this Saturday, isolating itself as the representative of Africa that reached the furthest in a World Cup. For this, it has the star of the team’s highlights, such as Hakimi, PSG side, and Ziyech, Chelsea’s attacking midfielder. And it also has massive support from the fans, who must invade Al Thumama.
On the side of Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo is still on the bench. Coach Fernando Santos has only one doubt, in defense: Rúben Dias was spared from the last training session. If you can’t play, the option is young Antônio Silva, Benfica’s revelation, aged 19.
MOROCCO X PORTUGAL GUESS: TIE CANCELS THE BET – MOROCCO
This prognosis is considered less risky for some fans and bettors on duty, among our guesses, as Morocco passed through Spain in the last match and has chances to surprise the Portuguese.
In the event of a tie in regular time the bet is void and returned. The main bookmakers are offering odds above 3.70 for this bet.
MOROCCO X PORTUGAL GUESS: FIRST CORNER WILL BE PORTUGAL
The Portuguese team’s attack is very strong, with very skilled youngsters like João Félix and Gonçalo Ramos. It is believed that the Moroccans will maintain the same posture they had against Spain, trying to hold the Portuguese team back.
Among the predictions shown, this may be the most likely to happen, as Portugal will go all out and consequently have the first corner kick of the game. For this prediction, the odds are above 1.50.
MOROCCO X PORTUGAL GUESS: BOTH TEAMS SCORE A GOAL
The Portugal national team has conceded a goal in every game it has played so far, except against Uruguay. Despite having a very strong defense, with Pepe, Rúben Dias and W. Carvalho as the starting midfielder.
Meanwhile, the Moroccan defense is very well closed and conceded only 1 goal in the entire 2022 World Cup. Even so, it will be difficult to hold back the Portuguese offensive power and can take the ball in the net.
