Morocco v Spain predictions: Long night on the cards for Mediterranean rivals

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Morocco v Spain in the World Cup round of 16 on Tuesday.

Where to watch

ITV1, 3pm Tuesday

Best bet

Draw
1pt 11-4 general

Morocco were unbeaten in the group stage and they could be tough for Spain to break down in this last-16 encounter which may need to be settled by extra-time or penalties.

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Match preview

Spain crashed out of the 2018 World Cup on penalties at the last-16 stage and La Roja could be taken the distance in this year's first knockout round by a talented Morocco side.

Bookmakers heavily favour Luis Enrique's side, who are odds-on to win inside normal time, but Spain have not got past the last 16 since winning the 2010 World Cup and they are far from certain to pick off a well-drilled Morocco outfit.

The Atlas Lions are the last African team standing in Qatar but they do not look like a side who will be prepared to settle for that achievement.

Morocco deservedly won Group F after a string of excellent performances, including a superb 2-0 success over a Belgium side ranked second in the world by Fifa.

Admittedly Belgium are nothing like the force they were in Russia four years ago but, while criticism of the Red Devils is justified, it may cloud just how impressive the Moroccans were in beating them.

It is hard to believe that Morocco are the same team who were eliminated by Egypt in this year's Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

They had problems leading up to that tournament with key players Hakim Ziyech and Noussair Mazraoui refusing call ups to the squad However, the mood has been swiftly transformed since Walid Regragui took over from Vahid Halilhodzic after their underwhelming Afcon campaign.

Regragui's side have looked as motivated and organised as any group in Qatar, and Ziyech and Mazraoui have been influential performers.

Morocco are attacking and defending as a team and they have quality across the park.

They will make like tough for Spain and La Roja certainly need to improve after a poor performance in Thursday's controversial 2-1 loss to Japan.

Enrique's side went into that match expecting to claim the win they needed to top Group E, but they failed to contain the spirited Japanese and for a few brief minutes, when Costa Rica led Germany 2-1, they were heading out of the tournament.

Disaster was averted thanks to Germany's revival but Spain can rely on only themselves against Morocco and they need to sharpen up.

Enrique is likely to make changes, including the restoration of experienced full-backs Dani Carvajal and Jordi Alba, and that should bring about some improvement.

However, Spain were taken to extra-time three times at last summer's Euros and they could be in for another drawn out experience.

Key stat

Spain's three knockout matches at Euro 2020 all went to extra-time.

Team news

Morocco
Achraf Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat and Sofiane Boufal missed periods of training at the weekend but all are expected to feature.

Spain
Cesar Azpilicueta (calf) is a doubt.

Probable teams

Morocco (4-3-3) Bono; Hakimi, Aguerd, Saiss, Mazraoui; Ounahi, Amrabat, Sabiri; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal.

Spain (4-3-3) Simon; Carvajal, Rodri, Laporte, Alba; Gavi, Busquets, Pedri; Torres, Morata, Olmo.

Inside info

Morocco

Top scorer in probable team Youssef En-Nesyri
Star player Achraf Hakimi
Penalty taker Sofiane Boufal
Assist ace Achraf Hakimi
Set-piece aerial threat Nayef Aguerd
Card magnet Sofyan Amrabat

Spain

Top scorer in probable team Alvaro Morata
Star player Pedri
Penalty taker Alvaro Morata
Assist ace Jordi Alba
Set-piece aerial threat Aymeric Laporte
Card magnet Dani Carvajal

Morocco v Spain Bet Builder

Morocco or draw double chance Morocco have never advanced beyond the last 16 at a World Cup but they have every chance of making history

Under 2.5 goals Solid defence underpinned Morocco's success in the group stage and it could contribute to a low-scoring game

Sofyan Amrabat to be carded The Fiorentina man has been booked nine times in Serie A this season and could receive his second yellow card of the World Cup.

Price guide 9-1

Match information

Stadium Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan
Fifa rankings Morocco 22, Spain 7
Weather Clear, 26C

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