Football Results

The two teams are in different mood ahead of the last match in the Group B, given that the Spaniards currently share the first place with Portugal having won four points, while after two consecutive defeats Morocco has no chance to reach the round of 16. Right because of that everyone believes that this should be straightforward match, especially as goal-difference will probably decides the group winner. On the other hand, the Moroccans play the last round just for prestige. Let’s add that this is the first match between Spain and Morocco in recent history

Spain

What we said in the introduction doesn’t mean that former champions of the world and Europe will have an easy job against the Moroccans, especially if we have in mind that the Spaniards struggled in previous round with Iran, which they won by mere 1-0. Before that they drew the first match at the World Cup in Russia 3-3 with Portugal, and now they need a sound victory in order to stay at the first place in the Group B, where are right now thanks only to being better in fair-play. True, the Portuguese have far more difficult test in the last round as they will face the Iranians who still have chance to reach the round of 16 unlike the Spaniards who will face team that is started packing its luggage and is ready to return home.

We need to outline problems that Spanish national team has with its manager given that main designer of their latest successes Lopetegui was dismissed just a couple of days before leaving for Russia. Former sport director of the team and legend of Spanish football Hierro was named as temporary replacement. For the time being Hierro is doing well, mostly thanks to fact that he has at his disposal high quality and experienced players, so there is not much need for his interventions. Right because of that now against Morocco we expect to see on the pitch a similar line-up like in previous round, where the only change would be Asensio who should replace his club teammate Vasquez.

Probable lineups Spain: de Gea – Carvajal, Pique, Ramos, Alba – Busquets, Iniesta – Silva, Isco, Asensio – D. Costa

Morocco

Unlike the Spaniard who already think whom they might get as opponent in the round of 16, the Moroccans have no chance to reach the knockout phase after losing in first two rounds. All they have to do is to receive the least possible number of goals in their last match at the World Cup in Russia. We need to say that Morocco played well in first two matches but they lost to Iran 1-0 after receiving a goal in 95 minute, while against very strong Portugal they also lost by 1-0, but in that match they conceded the goal very early, in the 5th minute.

That didn’t discourage team led by manager Renard, on the contrary, the Moroccans were equal opponent to the Portuguese in the rest of match and in fact they had several very good chances, which they didn’t use. Right because of that we believe that now against the Spaniards they will play bravely, especially as this time there is no imperative to make good result that probably inhibited them in first two matches in Russia. Regarding the team, there should be changes at almost all positions, while due to injuries definitely out of action is winger N. Amrabat.

Probable lineups Morocco: Bono – Hakimi, Saiss, Benatia, Mendyl – Ait Benasser – Ziyech, Belhanda, Fajr, Harit – El Kaabi

Verdict:

We did expect more from the Spaniards in first two rounds but despite mediocre performances they managed to win even four points. Now, against already written-off Morocco they should probably win by sound goal difference, which would keep them at the first place in the Group B.

Pick: Asian handicap -1 Spain 1.51 - 51/100 @1XBet