The Round of 16 World Cup match between Morocco and Spain will take place on December 6 at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan. Kick-off is at 18:00 (MSK). Morocco vs. Spain: prediction and betting odds, 2022 World Cup match statistics.
Referee: Fernando Rapallini (Argentina)
Matches – 16 (International matches, 2021–2022);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 81;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.1;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 28;
Penalties – 31%.
Predicted lineups for Morocco vs. Spain
Morocco: Yassine Bounou, Romain Saiss, Achraf Hakimi, Nayef Aguerd, Noussair Mazraoui, Hakim Ziyech, Sofyan Amrabat, Sofiane Boufal, Selim Amallah, Azzedine Ounahi, Youssef En-Nesyri.
Spain: Unai Simón, Jordi Alba, Aymeric Laporte, Sergio Busquets, Rodri Hernandez, Dani Olmo, Marcos Llorente, Pedri, Gavi, Marco Asensio, Ferran Torres.
Morocco
The Moroccans sensationally advanced to the 2022 World Cup playoffs from the top spot in Group F. They drew with Croatia (0-0), then defeated Belgium (2-0) and Canada (2-1). This achievement set a record for African teams, as Morocco collected 7 points in the group stage of the World Cup. The last time Morocco reached the World Cup playoffs was back in 1986.
The star of the African team is midfielder Hakim Ziyech, who orchestrates Morocco's attacks in this World Cup and has already scored a goal and provided an assist. Also noteworthy is the strong performance of the defenders, led by Achraf Hakimi: the team conceded only 1 goal throughout the group stage.
Morocco has not lost in their last 4 World Cup matches (2 wins, 2 draws). Moreover, they have remained unbeaten in regular time in their last 46 official matches (33 wins, 13 draws). Additionally, Morocco has conceded only 1 goal in their last 4 official matches.
Spain
Spain unexpectedly finished second in Group E. Luis Enrique's side was leading the group before the final matchday but lost to Japan (1-2) despite having been ahead 1-0. Prior to that, Spain drew with Germany (1-1) and thrashed Costa Rica (7-0).
The team's top scorer in the 2022 World Cup is Álvaro Morata, who has scored three goals. Interestingly, Morata became the second Spaniard in history to score in his first three World Cup matches. The first was Telmo Zarra, who set this record in 1950.
Spain has not lost in regular time in 7 of their last 8 World Cup matches (3 wins, 4 draws). The team's scoring streak now stands at 21 official matches. However, Spain has struggled defensively, keeping a clean sheet in only one of their last five World Cup matches.
Morocco vs. Spain: Match Prediction
Morocco has been one of the biggest surprises of the tournament. However, the team has displayed consistent football over a long period and deservedly reached the 2022 World Cup playoffs. Morocco played solid defense against Croatia and Belgium, which was a key factor in their group stage success.
Spain traditionally focuses on possession. The team had over 80% possession in two of their three World Cup matches in Qatar. However, this strength backfired in the final group stage match. Excessive ball control allowed Japan to equalize and turn the game around.
Spain is unlikely to deviate from their usual style, which plays into Morocco's hands. Walid Regragui's side will aim to replicate Japan's success through pressing and counterattacks. Therefore, I suggest taking a positive handicap on the African team. My prediction: "Morocco to win with a handicap (+1.5)"
