Morocco will try to keep their run alive against a Portugal team that is changing shape in the later years of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo’s career.
The two teams meet in the quarterfinals at Al Thumama Stadium at 10 am ET. Here’s what you should know about each formation:
Morocco
Morocco was a revelation this tournament, defending with courage and attacking with verve. The team has more than deserved its place in the quarterfinals.
With Achraf Hakimi, who scored a daring “Panenka” to win the penalty shootout against Spain, Morocco have a true superstar. The boundless energy of the Paris Saint-Germain right-back is the Atlas Lions’ biggest attacking threat.
Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech provides Morocco’s creative spark, while Fioretina’s Sofyan Amrabat has undoubtedly been one of the best midfielders so far at the World Cup.
Coach Walid Regragui has instilled confidence and organization in his team. Morocco feels confident that they can beat Portugal and become the first African team in history to reach a World Cup semi-final.
Portugal
A loss in their final group game against South Korea raised questions about their ability to progress further at this year’s World Cup, but their victory over Switzerland in the round of 16 restored their poise. Fernando Santos’ side looked unstoppable with 21-year-old striker Gonçalo Ramos bursting onto the world stage with a scintillating hat trick.
The youngster replaced Cristiano Ronaldo, who was left on the bench for the Sweden match and remains there at the start of today’s game.
Portugal certainly didn’t waste the superstar striker on Tuesday, but fans will be watching for any signs of trouble on Saturday, to see if he finally makes it onto the pitch.
Increasingly, this team is defined by the considerable skills of younger stars, including defenders Rúben Dias and João Cancelo, and midfielder Bernardo Silva.