Morocco defeated Spain on penalty kicks to set up a quarterfinal encounter with Portugal who completely outclassed, outplayed and defeated Switzerland on Tuesday. View pictures in App save up to 80% data....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Saturday’s meeting between both sides would be highly anticipated, with the Atlas Lions of Morocco hoping to become the first African team to reach a men’s world cup semi final should they win. But, do they have what it takes to defeat Portugal?
Though Portugal’s lack of basic balance in attack is one of their major weakness, they’re a team that is more likely to score from settled settings- a fact which was evident from the 6-1 defeat of Switzerland yesterday. View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
Against Morocco, Portugal’s fullbacks would have a tougher time going up the pitch and offering width to the attackers but, with a clear path down the middle, they can offer threats in ways beyond expectations.
But playing against Morocco that have conceded just once in the tournament, a team that both Croatia and Belgium could not break them down, Portugal should be aware that the Atlas Lions of Morocco are well organised defensively to just allow them run through and sustain attack all day like they did against Switzerland. View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
The fact that Morocco are still in the tournament is not by luck, they have a good quality team with players like Bono, Ziyech and Hakimi who are all brave to play out from the back.
Playing against a Portuguese side whose fullbacks press high and wide up the pitch, when sustaining pressure, would offer the Moroccans opportunity to exploit the spaces left behind with quick counter-attacking play. Just like they did against Spain during the opening 45 minutes yesterday, they can absorb all the pressure, and exploit every opportunity that comes their way against Portugal.
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It was Morocco who looked more dangerous on the attack against Spain, with Mazraoui forcing Simon into a good save, and Aguerd failing to score from close range while Spain’s only chance of the game in the first half came through Asensio who slammed the side of the net after breaking free of the Moroccan defence in the 27th minute.
If Morocco can absorb pressure like they did against Spain and utilise the chances that come their way, they will have a chance to defeat Portugal on Saturday.
Portugal would control majority of the match being a side that presses more but, the Moroccans will also have their own chances since they like playing from the back.
Playing out from the back regularly will give them opportunity to have hold of the game, and if they can comfortably beat Portugal’s press, they can easily exploit them on counter attacks.
If Morocco can prevent Portugal from having total dominance, by using their outlets judiciously while playing out from the back, they will have chances to score like they did against Belgium some day ago.
Belgium had more dominance of the ball possession-wise as shown above but, the Moroccans absorbed all pressure, and utilised their chances judiciously despite being on the backfoot throughout the game.
