The date of the match between Morocco and Portugal, Saturday, in the quarter-finals of the World Cup, is approaching, after Portugal showed an offensive face by scoring a six-game goal against Switzerland, and the Atlas Lions overcame the Spaniards on penalties
With Portugal’s match against Morocco approaching, the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) identified what it said were “five things to watch”, relating to the players Gonçalo Ramos, Cristiano Ronaldo, Onahi and Silva, Ashraf Hakimi’s mission, the next Moroccan goal, and Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassin Bono
Morocco won the top of its group after achieving two victories over Belgium and Canada and a draw with Croatia, and Portugal advanced to the next round with two victories over Ghana and Uruguay, and scored six goals against Switzerland
Cristiano Ronaldo needs one goal to equal Eusebio, who scored nine goals with Portugal in the World Cup
There will be high hopes in the Portugal-Morocco match for many players to highlight their value and personality on major dates, as the two sides have an important opportunity to reach the 2022 World Cup semi-finals and make a new important achievement for their country, after both have impressed so far, according to FIFA
The players will face personal challenges in the quarter-final match, on Saturday, especially since Portugal has not reached the semi-finals in sixteen years, while Morocco will play its first match in the quarter-finals throughout all its participation
Ramos or Ronaldo After Goncalo Ramos scored three goals against Switzerland, coach Fernando Santos was left wondering whether to keep the player or to include Cristiano in the starting line-up again.
And the Benfica striker showed his ability to finish the penalty balls well in the goal. And with a smart touch in the face of the goalkeeper, as well as with a strong shot, Santos will have to choose between confirming his presence as a mainstay or betting on Cristiano’s experience and competitiveness in crucial dates Ronaldo’s motivation may be greater than any other player, if he participates as a starter or even in part of the match to leave a mark in the World Cup, which will be his last with Portugal
I bow in front of Bernardo Silva Azzedine Onahi participated in a number of matches in which he proved his ability to compete at a high level with Morocco’s well-arranged midfield, which is fierce in the process of stealing balls
Portugal plays fast and direct football, with players taking advantage of half-spaces, especially led by Bernardo Silva, who is good at running the ball or passing in influential areas. So it will be a high level duel
The winner of the middle battle will have great chances of imposing his control. Onahi has already received praise from the competitors before the Moroccan and Arab media, but it is important to see how his condition and the condition of his colleagues will be in the midfield after playing two additional halves a few days ago in the Spain match
Hakimi mission Rafael Guerrero, after replacing Cancelo on the left defensive corridor, showed that he is ready and able to participate in offensive operations in a way different from Cancelo, who did not participate against Switzerland. And he will be assisted by Joao Felix, who presents a strong tournament
And provides his colleagues with distinctive key reels. Therefore, this match will be an advanced test for Hakimi and his companions, and he must narrow the spaces with the help of Amrabat when he returns to support, as well as Onahi
The next Moroccan goal The Moroccan national team missed scoring in its last match against Spain in the round of 16, and despite qualifying thanks to penalty kicks, the Moroccan national team lacked the same attacking depth that it showed in the Canada match and before that the Belgium match
There will be more waiting to see a new goal by Hakim Ziyech or Youssef Al-Nusairi, who are the ones who are most present in the areas that allow for registration and create problems for the opponent’s defense
Yassine Bounou, the championship goalkeeperThe Seville goalkeeper did not concede only one goal in the World Cup in four matches, and the goal came through his colleague Nayef Akrad against his own goal. The regions of Morocco did not receive many shots in the matches they played
There were few balls on goal. But Bono showed readiness for any upcoming danger on his goal and had leadership and good communication with Sais, Akrad, Hakimi and Mazraoui
Indeed, Bono appeared in the role of the hero when he saved the penalty shootout that led the Atlas Lions to overtake Spain. The Portugal match will be a new opportunity for him to reach greater fame and show his influence on the group. If he succeeds in going out with a clean sheet, he will be one of the candidates to become the tournament goalkeeper