The crowd-favorite Moroccan national team advanced to their first-ever Quarterfinals in their nation’s history after defeating European powerhouse Spain in a penalty shootout.
They will look to be the first African nation ever to reach the semifinal stage of the World Cup when they take on European powerhouse Portugal Saturday at the Al Thumama Stadium.
Portugal manager Fernando Santos took a calculated risk by benching superstar Cristiano Ronaldo for their Round of 16 match against Switzerland, and it paid off as they won 6-1 with his replacement, Gonçalo Ramos, netting the first hat trick of this tournament.
Will Morocco’s dream run continue? Will we see Ronaldo back in the starting lineup for Portugal?
Let's dive into the current Morocco vs Portugal betting odds to uncover the best bets and props for this quarterfinal showdown.
Morocco vs Portugal Odds
- 3-Way Handicap: Portugal (-150) | Draw (+270) | Morocco (+450)
- Draw No Bet: Portugal (-450) |Morocco (+290)
- Over/Under Goals: Over 2.5 (+105) | Under 2.5 (-145)
- To Qualify: Portugal (-350) | Morocco (+225)
- Both Teams to Score: Yes (+105) | No (-150)
Morocco vs Portugal odds are current as of Thursday, Dec.8, from BetMGM Sportsbook unless otherwise noted.
The oddsmakers have Portugal as slight favorites to win this match in regulation, but they are overwhelming favorites at -350 to qualify for the next round. With a stout Moroccan defense in play, the oddsmakers have the Under 2.5 total goals juiced to -145.
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Morocco vs Portugal Prediction
Morocco 0-2 Portugal
Morocco’s defense has been very impressive at this World Cup, conceding only one goal so far in this tournament. They are content with sitting back, defending, and using the counter-attack to create goal-scoring opportunities. Their xG is the second-lowest mark so far in this tournament, only ahead of Qatar, so they have not really been threatening on the attack.
If Portugal goes with the same starting lineup they put out against Switzerland, then it will be a true clash of tactics. Portugal played with only one central defensive midfielder in their last game instead of two for the first time in the tournament and had a very attack-minded starting 11. The results were clear with six goals and nine shots on target.
Teams have had a tough time breaking down this Moroccan defense, with powerhouse teams in Belgium and Spain failing to score in 90 and 120 minutes. However, Morocco have only scored in two games this World Cup. Portugal will have over 60% of possession in this match, and the difference will be if they can finish in the final third.
The pace of Hakim Ziyech and the dribbling skills of Sofiane Boufal on the wings have been vital to the Moroccan counter-attack. They will have to convert one of the few chances they create in this game to pull off another upset.
Morocco vs Portugal Betting Tips
- Bruno Fernandes has been a star at this World Cup for Portugal with two goals and three assists.
- This is the third time these nations will face off at the World Cup. Each side has won one match, with Portugal winning the most recent outing 1-0 in the group stage of the 2018 edition in Russia.
Morocco vs Portugal Best Bets
➕ Portugal Moneyline (-150) at BetMGM Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Unfortunately, the great run by Morocco is going to come to an end against Portugal in the Quarterfinals. Morocco lack the attacking prowess to compete with this Portuguese squad and will have to hope this game is 0-0 at the end of 90 minutes.
Portugal should win this match in regulation.
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