FIFA World Cup: Portugal vs Morocco
What's the story
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will look to continue from where he left against Spain, when he takes the field against Morocco in their second group match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Ronaldo's hat-trick secured Portugal a point against the 2010 Champions. Now they will look to strengthen their hold on the group by a win against the Atlas Lions. Here's our match preview.
Crucial fixture
Must-win fixture for Atlas Lions
Morocco know that this is a must-win fixture since they have already lost their opening game against Iran. An own goal by Aziz Bouhaddouz cost them the game. Morocco are an excellent defensive unit, which is highlighted by the fact that they did not concede a single goal in the World Cup Qualifiers. They will be chalking out plans to halt the CR7 juggernaut.
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Morocco will miss Nordin Amrabat
Portugal have no injury problems and coach Fernando Santos has stated that all players are at his disposal. As for Morocco, they will be without the services of Nordin Amrabat. He was ruled out due to a concussion sustained against Iran in their opening game.
Head-to-head
Morocco have beaten Portugal in their only meeting
Morocco might have lost the battle but not the war. Herve Renard knows that if they have to progress they need to get results in the games against Portugal and Spain. They have beaten Portugal, once before, in the 1986 World Cup, which was their first ever victory at the tournament. They will be looking to draw inspiration from it.
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Portugal: Probable Playing XI
Rui Patricio, Cedric, Pepe, Jose Fonte, Raphael Guerreiro, William, Joao Moutinho, Bernardo Silva, Joao Mario, Andre Silva and Cristiano Ronaldo
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Morocco: Probable Playing XI
Monir El Kajoui, Achraf Hakimi, Ghanem Saiss, Mehdi Benatia, Hamza Mendyl, Karim El Ahmadi, Hakim Ziyach, Mbark Boussoufa, Younes Belhanda, Noureddine Amrabat and Khalid Boutaib