The date of the match between Morocco and Portugal, Saturday, in the quarter-finals of the World Cup, is approaching, following Portugal showed an offensive face by scoring a six-game goal once morest Switzerland, and the Atlas Lions overcame the Spaniards on penalties.
With Portugal’s match once morest Morocco approaching, the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA)fifa) What he said is “five things to watch”, relating to the players Gonçalo Ramos, Cristiano Ronaldo, Onahi and Silva, the mission of Ashraf Hakimi, the next Moroccan goal, and the Moroccan goalkeeper Yassin Bono.
Morocco won the top of its group following achieving two victories over Belgium and Canada and a draw with Croatia, and Portugal advanced to the next round with two victories over Ghana and Uruguay, and scored six goals once morest Switzerland.
Cristiano Ronaldo needs one goal to equal Eusebio, who scored nine goals with Portugal in the World Cup.
There will be high hopes in the Portugal-Morocco match for many players to highlight their value and personality on major dates, as the two sides have an important opportunity to reach the 2022 World Cup semi-finals and make a new important achievement for their country, following both have impressed so far, according to FIFA.
The players will face personal challenges in the quarter-final match, on Saturday, especially since Portugal has not reached the semi-finals in sixteen years, while Morocco will play its first match in the quarter-finals throughout all its participation.
Ramos or Ronaldo
After Goncalo Ramos scored three goals once morest Switzerland, coach Fernando Santos was left wondering whether to keep the player or to include Cristiano in the starting line-up once more.
And the Benfica striker showed his ability to finish the penalty balls well in the goal. And with a smart touch in the face of the goalkeeper, as well as with a strong shot, Santos will have to choose between confirming his presence as a mainstay or betting on Cristiano’s experience and competitiveness in crucial dates. Ronaldo’s motivation may be greater than any other player, if he participates as a starter or even in part of the match to leave a mark in the World Cup, which will be his last with Portugal.
I bow in front of Bernardo Silva
Azzedine Onahi participated in a number of matches in which he proved his ability to compete at a high level with Morocco’s well-arranged midfield, which is fierce in the process of stealing balls. Portugal plays fast and direct football, with players taking advantage of half-spaces, especially led by Bernardo Silva, who is good at running the ball or passing in influential areas. So it will be a high level duel. The winner of the middle battle will have great chances of imposing his control. Onahi has already received praise from the competitors before the Moroccan and Arab media, but it is important to see how his condition and the condition of his colleagues will be in the midfield following playing two additional halves a few days ago in the Spain match.
Hakimi mission
Rafael Guerrero, following replacing Cancelo on the left defensive corridor, showed that he is ready and able to participate in offensive operations in a way different from Cancelo, who did not participate once morest Switzerland. And he will be assisted by Joao Felix, who presents a strong championship and provides his colleagues with distinctive key balls. Therefore, this match will be an advanced test for Hakimi and his companions, and he must narrow the spaces with the help of Amrabat when he returns to support, as well as Onahi.
The next Moroccan goal
The Moroccan national team missed scoring in its last match once morest Spain in the round of 16, and despite qualifying thanks to penalty kicks, the Moroccan national team lacked the same attacking depth that it showed in the Canada match and before that the Belgium match. There will be more waiting to see a new goal by Hakim Ziyech or Youssef Al-Nusairi, who are the ones who are most present in the areas that allow for registration and create problems for the opponent’s defense.
Yassine Bounou, the championship goalkeeper?
The Seville goalkeeper did not concede only one goal in the World Cup in four matches, and the goal came through his colleague Nayef Akrad once morest his own goal. The regions of Morocco did not receive many shots in the matches they played, and there were few balls on the goal. But Bono showed readiness for any upcoming danger on his goal and had leadership and good communication with Sais, Akrad, Hakimi and Mazraoui.
Indeed, Bono appeared in the role of the hero when he saved the penalty shootout that led the Atlas Lions to overtake Spain. The Portugal match will be a new opportunity for him to reach greater fame and show his influence on the group. If he succeeds in going out with a clean sheet, he will be one of the candidates to become the tournament goalkeeper.