Morocco and Portugal lock horns in a 2022 FIFA World Cup quarter-final on the weekend. The Moroccans have been the surprise package in Qatar, but can they upset the Portuguese in the capital?
As you would expect, Fernando Santos’ side, who dispatched Switzerland with ease last time out, are the odds-on favorites to win this one.
Check out the best World Cup odds in our in-depth Morocco vs Portugal betting preview.
Last Game Records
Morocco caused a huge upset in their Round of 16 tie with Spain earlier in the week.
The game in Al Rayyan finished level after 120 minutes of intense soccer, but the Atlas Lions held their nerve in the shootout to secure their spot in the last eight in Qatar.
Portugal put on a perfect performance against Switzerland in the last 16. There was not a lot to split the pair in the pre-match betting, but the Portuguese wiped the floor with the Swiss in Lusail. Young Goncalo Ramos was the hero, scoring three of Portugal’s six goals in the 6-1 rout.
Morocco vs. Portugal Betting Analysis
Morocco
Morocco has stunned the soccer world with their performances at the 2022 World Cup.
They were in a tough group with the likes of Croatia and Belgium, but the Atlas Lions finished top of Group F after collecting seven points from three games.
Walid Regragui’s Troops
On matchday one in Qatar, Walid Regragui’s troops held Croatia to a goalless draw in Al Khor. The Croatians were runners-up in Russia four years ago, but the Moroccans more than matched them.
In game two, Morocco stunned Belgium in Doha. The Belgians are the top-ranked European team in the current FIFA World Rankings and are one of the best nations in the World Cup bracket, but the team from North Africa picked up a deserved 2-0 win in the Qatari capital.
A Hard-fought Victory
Morocco booked their spot in the last 16 with a hard-fought victory over Canada at Al Thumama Stadium. Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech and Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri got the goals in the 2-1 success.
Morocco then went up against Spain in the Round of 16. The teams were evenly matched in normal time and could not be separated after an extra 30 minutes. The tie went to penalties, and Morocco prevailed 3-0 on spot-kicks.
Not many would have had the Moroccans down as their pre-tournament World Cup picks, but the North African nation has been excellent in Western Asia and has been a real success story.
They are the underdogs at big soccer World Cup 2022 odds of +500 to win this one, but can they spring another surprise and become the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final?
Portugal
Portugal has looked outstanding on occasions during their time in Qatar. They secured their place in the last 16 with one game to spare after kicking off with six points from a possible six.
The Navigators were involved in a five-goal thriller with Ghana in their opening matchup in Qatar. Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring in the eventual 3-2 win.
Portugal booked their knockout place with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Uruguay on matchday two. Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes scored both goals at Lusail Iconic Stadium.
The Portuguese were surprisingly beaten by South Korea in their final group game, but Santos’ side certainly made amends in the Round of 16 games.
Portugal put the Swiss to the sword in Lusail, with goals from Ramos (3), Pepe, Raphael Guerreiro, and Rafael Leao earning a remarkable 6-1 win.
After the tremendous showing against Switzerland last time out, Portugal could be the World Cup picks for a lot of bettors. Keep reading for the latest Morocco vs Portugal betting odds and our predictions.
Updates
Regragui has a fully-fit squad to choose from going into this quarter-final. Morocco is likely to play the same XI that squeezed past Spain on penalties.
Portugal will once again be without Danilo Pereira and Nuno Mendes. After his hat trick in the last game, Ramos could get the nod ahead of Ronaldo in attack once again.
Morocco vs. Portugal Betting Preview
This will be the third meeting between Morocco and Portugal, with the other two also coming in World Cups.
The Moroccans won the first game back in 1986, though the Portuguese got revenge in a group game in Brazil four years ago.
European countries have dominated against African opposition in knockout games at the World Cup, with nine of the 11 meetings going the way of the Europeans.
Portugal are looking to extend that number to ten this weekend. Here are our Morocco vs Portugal betting tips.
Morocco vs. Portugal Betting Prediction
Morocco has been a joy to watch during this tournament, and the Atlas Lions are flying the African flag in Qatar.
Unfortunately for Regragui and his troops, we can see their memorable World Cup journey coming to an end on Saturday.
Portugal was simply sensational in the rout against the Swiss, and Santos’ side will be in high spirits ahead of this World Cup quarter-final.
There is good value in the top World Cup odds of +188 for Portugal to win -1.
FIFA World Cup Pick: Portugal (+188)
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