POR vs MAR Quarterfinal: When Portugal plays Morocco in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals, they will be looking to build on their encouraging performance against Switzerland last time around.
Instead of the 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Portugal in the Round of 16, the 21-year-old Goncalo Ramos made his name recognized while the veteran sensation watched from the sidelines.
In the meantime, Morocco managed to shock Spain by holding on for a 0-0 draw and prevailing on penalties after Pablo Sarabia struck the woodwork and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced two saves in the penalty.
POR vs MAR Quarterfinal: Portugal’s strengths and flaws to look upon
POR vs MAR Quarterfinal: According to the team named on Thursday, Portugal’s national side enters the World Cup in Qatar primarily at the height of its abilities.
With Joao Cancelo and Nuno Mendes, Portugal possesses one of the greatest wing-back combinations at the World Cup. While Mendes of PSG contributes energy and tenacity down the left wing, the right-back for Manchester City is a primary catalyst with deft passes. Additionally, Santos has the convenience of being able to rely on Raphael Guerrero and Diogo Dalot to support this dup.
Portugal has a defensive line that contend if Ruben Dias from City and one of Pepe or David Carmo. Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva of Manchester will assume responsibility for midfield creativity. While Vitinha and Ruben Neves will offer center-field security.
When playing against teams who like a direct approach, their defense has occasionally struggled with acceleration down the flank, which has been a little worry.
With Joao Palhinha or Ruben Neves perhaps being selected over a more attack-minded alternative in middle, there have also been issues with balancing. And Ronaldo’s limited playing time might lessen his effect.
POR vs MAR Quarterfinal: Portugal’s journey until the quarterfinals
POR vs MAR Quarterfinal: Portugal defeated Switzerland 6-1 in the round of 16 to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup with one of the greatest performances of the competition. Cristiano Ronaldo, the country’s all-time leading scorer and skipper, dubiously left out of the starting lineup. But boss Fernando Santos would then feel fully justified after a stellar performance from Ronaldo’s replacement. Gonçalo Ramos, who scored a hat-trick in just his fourth presence.
Goncalo Ramos, 21, started for Portugal in lieu of a 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo. Introducing himself to the world as the veteran forward sat on the sidelines and watched as Ramos scored a hat-trick in the Round of 16.
Portugal players to eyed upon
POR vs MAR Quarterfinal: Goncalo Ramos, a 21-year-old centre striker, replaced Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal’s starting lineup. And he scored three goals and provided an assist against Switzerland. While Ruben Neves and Rafael Leao managed to get through the game with minor supporting roles.
And must be kept if required upon with Fernando Santos who is vying for a World Cup to go along with his Euro title. Bruno Fernandes has already been fantastic for Portuguese side.
POR vs MAR Quarterfinal: Morocco’s Possesion of Strengths and Weaknesses
POR vs MAR Quarterfinal: The Moroccan team’s defense is where they excel the best. They have a few players that are highly dependable and the youth, such as Amrabat, Amallah and their goalie, Bono made a spectacular effort in order to reach the quarter-finals.
He will be the one to be eyed upon. They play with a lot of vigour and imagination in the middle. Hakim Ziyech is one of Africa’s top playmakers, while Zakaria Aboukhlal is a highly interesting player to watch. They have a young striker with lots of potential upffront named Neysri. When it concerns to performing on the largest platform, the squad lacks a lot of expertise. This made clear in their final World Cup debut in 1998. Where they lost all of their games and eliminated in the opening round.
There are no world-class stars on the Moroccan team. Although the squad has several talented players, none of them are genuinely world-class. And able to compete with the finest competitors. This may make it challenging for Morocco to advance far in the competition.
Morocco’s Road to the Quarterfinals
POR vs MAR Quarterfinal: As Achraf Hakimi moved up to take a penalty that would change the course of Moroccan football history, the suspense grew.
After 120 minutes, the teams were unable to separate. Morocco had the advantage with the penalties as soon as Hakimi took control of the ball. Notwithstanding the Spanish audience’s valiant efforts to divert their attention with cameras from behind the goal.
Morocco entered uncharted ground when the wave of crimson exploded. After six tries, they are in the World Cup quarterfinals for the very first time.
Moroccan players to watch out
POR vs MAR Quarterfinal: Bounou, whose name is written as Bono on his shirt, outstanding in penalties. But Morocco’s defense held the Spanish side to only one chance on goal. While Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazroui have excelled in the wide positions, both attacking and defending. Romain Saiss has been particularly strong in the midst of the defense.
The 3 men at the forefront are Youssef En-Nesyri, Sofiane Boufal, and Hakim Ziyech. In contrast to Boufal, who occupies a stance on the left side with En-Nesyri serving as the wide player. Chelsea star Ziyech, who overturned his international retirement to comeback under new manager Regragui. Mostly plays on the opposite wing.
READ ALSO: Morocco vs Spain
thanks good post