Portugal vs Morocco Preview

Portugal vs Morocco Preview

Image from SEKDRIVE

It's Matchday 2 for Group B and Portugal face Morocco after a dramatic draw with group favourites Spain, as Ronaldo scored his 51st career hattrick. Morocco are still looking for their first win of the campaign after an own goal saw the Islamic Republic of Iran claim a victory over the North African side. Morocco showed that they have attacking ability with Nordin Amrabat and Younes Belhanda and a sturdy defence with Medhi Benatia at the heart but fell at the last hurdle to Iran. Portugal showed their defensive abilities against Spain but still conceded three goals and could have conceded more. Goncalo Guedes squandered a couple of good counter attacks through his youthful inexperience and may be swapped for Ricardo Quaresma, Andre Silva or Joao Mario. At the back, Portugal may not make any changes but in the midfield there may be an alteration with Bruno Fernandes making way. Portugal are clear favourites to win this game and should do so with the class at their disposal and it does not get much classier than their hero and captain, Cristiano Ronaldo.

PREDICTED LINEUP:

GOALKEEEPER: RUI PATRICIO

Could do nothing for any of the Spanish goals but is a confidence inspiring 'keeper who has just made a move to the Premier League after the 30 year old signed a four-year deal with Wolverhampton Wonderers. 

DEFENDERS: CEDRIC SOARES, JOSÉ FONTE, PEPE, RAPHAEL GUERREIRO

Solid at for a lot of the game but the centre backs were bullied by Costa. Morocco will be different in the way they attack as, unlike Spain, they have good pace on the wing and will try and take on the fullbacks. Still, should be a good contest between them and could prove to be a weak link for Portugal as their fullbacks do bomb up the pitch in attacks. 

Image from Wikipedia

MIDFIELD THREE: WILLIAM CARVALHO, JOAO MOUTINHO, JOAO MARIO

Carvalho was solid as a rock against Spain and an aerial threat in the box. Joao Moutinho has that creative spark and is a smart player that uses all fifteen years of senior footballing experience on the pitch. When Joao Mario came on, he was impressive and direct in his play. Fernandes did not offer too much offensively but Mario's driving runs worried the Spanish defence and could prove trouble for the Moroccan back line. 

FRONT THREE: BERNARDO SILVA, RICARDO QUARESMA, CRISTIANO RONALDO

Bernardo Silva will always offer goals with his creative ability and could be the key to breaking down Morocco. When he came on, Quaresma was energetic and took on the defenders with confidence and intelligence unlike Guedes who looked nervous and of course Ronaldo will start, he is a world class superstar and should lead Portugal far this World Cup.

This should be an easy game for Portugal and once they break the deadlock they should cruise home afterwards with the attacking talent they have. Although Morocco do have some good attacking players, they should be overwhelmed by the Portugese defenders and stopped in their tracks.

PREDICTED SCORE: 3-0