SPAIN VS MOROCCO
SPAIN
The world cup has been a mix of scary and unpredictable for the Spanish fans so far. Earning a draw in their opening match against Portugal, a game that was fiercely contested just days after relieving Julen Lopetegui of his job. Now Spain faces Morocco.
Spain looked rather poised to grab all three points despite conceding very early in the game. All that wasn’t to be as Cristiano Ronaldo put on a world class display scoring a hat trick. It was the best match of the tournament yet as a late free kick from the Portuguese star man saw the match end at 3-3.
Their next match saw them play a less treating Iranian side and although the game wasn’t as exciting. They got the job done with 78% of possession against a side that were comfortable in their own half. Spain finally broke the deadlock in the beginning of the second half through a scrappy Diego Costa goal.
They play a North African side already eliminated from the tournaments due to their 1-0 losses against Iran and Portugal respectively. The Spaniards would be hoping for a much more fluid game against a team set to depart Russia.
MOROCCO
Unfortunately for the team in both games they lost, they did play well and since they have nothing to salvage should come all out against Spain.
The reality of them exiting the tournament is a factor that makes this fixture an interesting one. All indications show that Spain would still be favorites in this encounter to enable them finish top of the group.
Spain shows a trend of winning with a margin of at least two goals in six of their last ten games. While Morocco have lost seven of their last nine games at the world cup proper.
EXPECTATION
Putting all stats into consideration, it should be a fairly comfortable game for Spain. New manager Fernando Hierro does know how crucial this game is. His team are on the same points and goal difference with Portugal as they go into the third round of games.
And to see them finish top they would have to score goals. Diego Costa would also fancy himself to score here to increase his tally as he hopes to be in contention for the golden boot.
STATS
Spain have played four world cup matches with African opposition. Winning three and losing just once. And all games have seen Spain score at least 2 goals per game.
Meanwhile Morocco have met European opposition six times at the world cup winning just one, drawing another and losing the remaining four.
The Europeans have also won their final group matches from as far back as 1986.
PREDICTED LINEUP
SPAIN
De gea, Carvajal, Pique, Ramos, Alba, Koke, Bousquets, Iniesta, Silva, Isco, Costa
MOROCCO
Mohamedi, Dirar, Benatia, Da Costa, Hakimi, El Ahmadi, Boussoufa, Amrabat,Belhanda, Ziyech, El Kaabi.
HEAD TO HEAD
Spain won 4-2 on aggregate over two legs the only time these sides met. That was during the 1962 world cup qualification stage.
PICK
Spain win and over 1.5 goals
odd : 1.55
