Qatar 2022: Can ‘Surprise Package’ Morocco Roll Another Trick Up Their Sleeves Against Portugal?

Portugal are gearing up for a quarter-final match against surprise contenders Morocco as the 2022 World Cup nears an exclamation point.

Portugal crushed Switzerland 6-1 thanks to a sensational hat-trick from Goncalo Ramos, the 21-year-old Benfica striker who replaced Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting line-up. With just 34 international minutes under his belt at kick-off, Ramos shocked the world and sent Switzerland home with his tail between his legs.

Morocco showed they were no pushovers against Spain, defending with precision and organization while maintaining a threat at the break.

They became the fourth African nation to reach a World Cup quarter-final with a penalty shoot-out triumph. None of the continent’s three previous success stories have reached the semi-finals.

There is an outpouring of support behind Morocco’s fairytale race, with fans across Africa visibly supporting the Atlas Lions.

“We have Africa behind us and the Arabs,” said head coach Walid Regragui. “It is important, but we play first for Morocco.

“I am proud of my country and my team. You feel the positive vibe and everyone acts like we’re all part of the same family.

“People identify with us and we unite the Moroccan people. It’s more important than money and titles, but we’re here to win games and get as far as we can in this tournament. »

Portugal boss Fernando Santos has dismissed the idea that Ronaldo is ready to quit the national team following the fact that he was dropped against Switzerland.

“I spoke to him after lunch on game day and invited him to my office. For obvious reasons, Cristiano wasn’t too happy about it.

“He asked me, ‘Do you really think that’s a good idea?’ But we had a frank and normal conversation in which I explained my points of view and he accepted them.

“I think it is high time to leave Ronaldo alone. He never told me he wanted to leave our national team and I think it’s high time to stop this conversation, to stop the controversy. »

Morocco projected from 11
(4-3-3, from right to left): 1. Bounou (GK) — 2. Hakimi, 5. Aguerd, 6. Saiss, 3. Mazraoui — 8. Ounahi, 4. Amrabat, 15. Amallah — 7. Ziyech, 19. En-Nesyri, 17. Boufal.

Injured: Sofiane Boufal, Nayef Aguerd.

Suspended: None.

Morocco has injured cases after spending a lot of energy against Spain. The duo of Sofiane Boufal and Nayef Aguerd were both substituted against La Roja due to injuries. Boufal in particular could be a huge loss, as he has been one of the best wingers at the World Cup.

Morocco have three players sitting the tightrope with yellow cards that would mean suspension if they are cautioned and the team advances, with key midfielder Sofiane Amrabat joined by Abdelhamid Sabiri and captain Romain Saiss.

Portugal possible 11
(4-3-1-2, right to left): 22. Costa (GK) — 2. Dalot, 3. Pepe, 4. Dias, 5. Guerreiro — 25. Otavio, 14. Carvalho, 10. Silva — 8. Fernandes—26. Ramos, 11. Felix.

Injured: Nuno Mendes, Danilo Pereira.

Suspended: None.

There are no new injury concerns coming in this game for Portugal. They are without Diogo Jota, who was sent off before the tournament, and Nuno Mendès will no longer participate in the World Cup after an injury in the match against Uruguay.

The bigger question is the fitness of Danilo Pereira, who hopes to recover from broken ribs in time to see the pitch. And, of course, if Ronaldo plays.

Tactically, it’s very likely that young star striker Ramos will start ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo again after his stunning hat-trick last time out. Fernando Santos will also have to choose between Raphael Guerreiro or João Cancelo at left-back, with the former favored against Switzerland to great effect.

Portugal have five players facing a yellow card suspension with another booking, all important pieces of the puzzle, with Danilo joined by Rubén Dias, João Félix, Bruno Fernandes and Ruben Neves.