Morocco vs Portugal Predictions

• Portugal thrashed Switzerland 6-1 in their last 16 tie.
• Morocco went the full distance against Spain as they won on penalties.
• Portugal have scored 12 goals in four games but Morocco have only conceded once.
• Goncalo Ramos scored a hat-trick against Switzerland.

Morocco face Portugal in World Cup last eight

Morocco have been the surprise package in Qatar but their fairytale World Cup run looks set to come to an end against Portugal on Saturday.

The Atlas Lions ousted Spain on penalties in the previous round, wrecking the chance of an Iberian derby quarter-final, but Portugal will provide a very different kind of test.

The Selecao thrashed Switzerland 6-1 in their own last 16 tie in what was arguably the best team performance at the World Cup so far. Fernando Santos’ men announced themselves as serious contenders with that win and the display they put in, and this game may well prove a test too far for the North Africans.

Slick Portugal can break Moroccan resolve

Morocco’s success in Qatar has been built on excellent defensive foundations as they have conceded just one in four games, keeping clean sheets against Croatia, Belgium and then Spain.

It would be unfair to suggest Morocco rode their luck against the Spanish but they did concede a lot of possession, and a similar approach against Portugal’s quality frontline could well spell trouble.

Walid Regragui’s men had just 23% of the possession against La Roja and if they allow Portugal that much of the ball it is hard to see them holding out for 90 minutes.

Portugal were ruthless against Switzerland and if they perform at that level against Morocco they should win comfortably, so a straightforward win for the Europeans stands out as our main bet.

Morocco can limit Portugal’s attack

Portugal may have scored six against the Swiss, but they may have to settle for a more modest victory in the quarter-finals.

Morocco have only conceded once in Qatar and that was an own goal against Canada when they had already built up a comfortable 2-0 lead. The Atlas Lions will defend well on Saturday, but Portugal can still find a way through and a 2-0 win for the Europeans appeals as a correct score bet – potentially by scoring a late second on the counter as Morocco push for an equaliser.

Goncalo Ramos has to be rated as a contender for an anytime goal after his stellar showing against the Swiss. The Benfica forward, who has nine goals in 11 league games for his club this season, hit a hat-trick in the last 16 win and will go into this game full of confidence, so back the 21-year-old to find the back of the net on Saturday.

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