World Cup news
Morocco’s match against Spain in the World Cup round of 16 in Qatar could be the game of the century for the Atlas Lions, as the Moroccan team is known after defeating Belgium in the group stage.
It will now compete against the former world champions Spain in a match that could become as contentious as their previous interactions.
Morocco would like to imitate Tunisia’s victory over France against a sloppy Spanish team, just as Tunisia did when it defeated France in a sort of retaliation for their long-standing political history.
Following Spain’s 7-0 rout of Costa Rica in their opening group match, everything appeared to be going well for them.
But this was followed by a draw against lacklustre Germany. Spain needed a win to secure the first place, an important place, in the group but Japan had to spoil the broth for the Spaniards, beating them 2-1.
Spain clinched the second place behind Japan thanks to its goal difference of plus 6 against the German’s plus 1.
Can the Morocco side beat the Spanish side in the upcoming World Cup match? A tough one for the Maghribi team as Spain would want to rekindle with the joy of winning and would probably play their best game to avoid defeat,
Morocco may have defeated the Canadians with chance on their side. Youssef En-Nesyri scored the game-winning goal after Hakim Ziyech had scored the opening goal in the 4th minute. As soon as the game began, Ziyech scored for the Moroccans, giving them the perfect start. Poor defending by Canadian centre back Steven Vitoria and goalkeeper Milan Borjan led to the goal.
Morocco will head into the game in high spirit but Spain has the experience to deal with small teams.
It will depend on the tactics employed by both managers in the Dec 5th match at the Education City Stadium. This is where we will know whether the ‘giants’ from Europe will teach the ‘small team’ from Africa a lesson or two in football or we will see another shock that will get the football world raging.
Remember the Morocco win against Belgium brought two cities in Europe in chaos.
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