Spain vs Morocco Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

We’re not even out of the World Cup group stages yet, and already the Spanish fans have been taken on a roller-coaster ride of emotions. First came the shock sacking of Julen Lopetegui just two days before they started their campaign, and then the 3-3 draw that Fernando Hierro oversaw in his first game in charge had fans from both sides on the edge of their seats.

Despite going behind early on, Spain looked in prime position to take the three points from that game after twice taking the lead. Cristiano Ronaldo had other ideas though as he netted a hat-trick, the last of which was a superb free kick late on to level the scores at 3-3. It was the best match of this tournament so far, and is likely to be the highlight of the 2018 World Cup.

Spain’s next match was less exciting, but much more comfortable for the Spanish side. They completely controlled the game against an Iran side who seemed content to sit inside their own box. They finally opened the scoring through Diego Costa early in the second half, and while the scoreline remained 1-0, their dominance was illustrated by them having a huge 78% possession.

They will be hoping this match is a little more free flowing though, as they come up against a Morocco side who have already packed their bags. The Africans were unlucky in their opener as they lost late on to Iran, and a 1-0 defeat to Portugal in round two confirmed their exit from the competition.

To be fair to Morocco, they were fairly positive in both of these matches, and with nothing left to lose we can expect them to push on for an heroic result against Spain here.

Hopefully, this will result in an entertaining match for us all. The chances are that Spain will still emerge victorious though, and we’re expecting a more open game to suit them down to the ground. Spain have won by at least a two goal margin in six of their last ten competitive matches and now face a Morocco side who have lost seven of their last nine World Cup games.

Hierro knows that they could need a comprehensive win here to top the group as well, with them and Portugal tied on both points and goal difference coming into round three. We’re backing a Spain -1.5 Asian Handicap win along with a 3-1 correct score predictions here. Considering seven of Spain’s last ten competitive games have also seen at least three goals, we’re going to back a Spain Win and Over 2.5 Goals as well.

Diego Costa is relishing his relatively new role as Spain’s star striker. He has scored three goals already in this World Cup, and now has nine in his last nine starts for Spain. We’re backing him to find the net again here as he hunts for the Golden Boot.

Spain Predicted Lineup: De Gea, Carvajal, Pique, Ramos, Alba, Koke, Busquets, Iniesta, Silva, Isco, Costa

Morocco Predicted Lineup: Mohamedi, Dirar, Benatia, da Costa, Hakimi, El Ahmadi, Boussoufa, Amrabat, Belhanda, Ziyech, El Kaabi