The 2022 FIFA World Cup is nearing another enormous end, while only eight teams have managed to qualify for the Quarter-Finals of this tournament, of which two competent sides, Morocco and Portugal, will lock horns in 3rd quarter-final at Al Thumama Stadium on Saturday.
In the endeavor to progress through the last fours, the Atlas Lion outshined Spain on penalty shows, paving their way for quarter-finals for the first time in history, while the Selecao handed over a humiliating 6-1 defeat to Switzerland before reaching this stage.
To Earn Eternal Icon status forever, Achraf Hakimi netted the last penalty shoot against the Spanish side, assuring a comprehensive 3-0 shootout defeat, and sent his team to the quarterfinals for the first time in 12 years.
Joined Hakimi was the Lions goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who stopped two pin-point hits from the opposite end, making sure to grind out a goalless draw. Perhaps, the Moroccan side collectively played to become the fourth Arab Nation, reaching the last 8.
Morocco was placed in Group alongside Croatia, Belgium, and Canada, and they managed to summit on top with seven points. During the group’s campaign, they faced Croatia in the opening match, finishing on a goalless draw. In the second match, they defeated Belgium by 0-2, followed by a victory over Canada by `1-2. Meanwhile, in the knockouts, they outshined Spain on penalties.
In contrast, the Fernando Santo side tasted one of the most memorable triumphs since 2016’s European Champions, when they slayed Switzerland by 6-1. Of course, their stormed performance was led by Rolando’s replacement Romas, who scored a hat-trick.
Perhaps, Santos’s men recovered quickly after losing to South Korea by 2-1, and their safe negotiations in the following games helped them reach the last 8. While already regarded as the event’s hot favorite, Portugal hopes to repeat a Switzerland-styled performance against low-seeded Morocco.
With all ins and outs around Ronaldo, the South American nation entered the tournament through Group H alongside Uruguay, South Korea, and Ghana. Despite a late defeat against Korea, they ended on top with six points.
Portugal’s tournament journey started against Ghana, which got the better by 3-2. In the next game, they outclassed hardcore Uruguay by 2-0, followed by a 2-1 defeat against South Korea. After reaching the knockouts, Portugal registered a historic win over Switzerland by 1-6.
It is pertinent to mention that Portugal and Morocco are squaring off after 36 years, as the last they met was in 1986 when the Arab team became victors by 3-1. After such a long break, the circumstances might be slightly different, with Portugal having the best chance of winning.
Morocco possible starting lineup:
Bounou; Hakimi, Saiss, Aguerd, Mazraoui; Ounahi, Amrabat, Amallah; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal
Portugal possible starting lineup:
Costa; Dalot, Pepe, Dias, Guerreiro; B. Silva, Carvalho, Otavio; Fernandes, Ramos, Felix
