Spain vs. Morocco Match Preview & Betting Tips

Winning the match against hopeless Morocco is a priority for Spain if they wish to finish the group stage on the top of the table. Achieving that would mean that they would get to play against the second-best team from the Group A in the Round of 16. But, there’s another reason why this is an important game for them – a bad result against Morocco would ruin their morale, which had already been shaken by the manager switch before the tournament even started.

Fernando Hierro, newly appointed head coach of Spain, World Cup 2018

Spain

Spain should be proud of their players, who managed to overcome the stress they had just a few days before the World Cup started when the manager Julen Lopetegui got fired for accepting the job offer from Real Madrid. Fernando Hierro was appointed as his successor, a manager lacking experience, at least at such high level.

But, even with such an inexperienced manager on the bench, Spain managed to do great against Portugal in the opening round. If it wasn’t for Ronaldo’s brilliant performance in that game, they would get all 3 points easily.

Spain did struggle a bit in the second round when they played ultra-defensive-minded Iran. Still, they did manage to break their defense eventually and grab all three points. Now, in the third round, they face a much easier challenge. They’re taking on Morocco, a team that has zero chance of getting to the Round of 16.

Beating Morocco would mean that Spain would finish on the top of the group, unless Portugal manage to beat Iran with a large goal difference. To be certain that goal difference goes in their favor, Spain will probably go for a big win on Monday evening at the Kaliningrad Stadium.



Morocco

Although hailed as one of the best African teams before the tournament started, Morocco failed to impress. To be fair, they were unlucky to be drawn in such difficult group, where Spain and Portugal are the favorites for advancing to the knockout stage.

Morocco did very well in the opening round against Iran but were very unlucky to concede a late goal, which cost them the points. To make the things even worse, it was an own goal, scored by their forward Bouhaddouz.

Despite the tragic result in the first round, Morocco had the guts to play very well against Portugal in the second match. They had more possession than Portugal, as well as more goal attempts. Unfortunately for them, the result didn’t change from the 4th minute when Cristiano Ronaldo scored the goal.

Now they have nothing to fight for, as they’re going home after the game with Spain. But, you can be sure that Morocco will want to go out in style. They will do all in their power to score at least one goal on the tournament. That said, we can expect an interesting game on Monday.



Possible Lineups

Spain:

De Gea – Ramos, Pique, Carvajal, Alba – Busquets, Iniesta, Koke, Isco, David Silva – Costa

Morocco:

Munir – Benatia, Saiss, Sofyan Amrabat, Hakimi – El Ahmadi, Boussoufa, Belhanda, Ziyech, Nordin Ambrabat – El Kaabi

Spain vs. Morocco Match Prediction

Obviously, everything is in favor of Spain. They have the skills, motivation, and the form necessary to win big against Morocco. But, on the other hand, you can be sure Morocco won’t surrender easily. This team will try to score a few against mighty Spain and go home with their chins held high. That said, lot’s of goals are expected.

Spain vs. Morocco Betting Tips

  • Spain @1.36 (bet365)
  • Over 2.5 Goals @1.90 (Unibet)
  • BTS @2.40 (bwin)

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