Portugal to Punish Middling Moroccans

Two sides to have experienced contrasting fortunes in their opening matches come together at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium for the next round of fixtures in Group B. A Cristiano Ronaldo (who else?) inspired Portugal denied Spain victory in a thrilling 3-3 draw, while Morocco suffered the anguish of losing to Iran in the dying seconds. The two results leaves both needing a win to remain in contention for Last 16 qualification.

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Portugal supporters must sometimes ponder where they’d be without the magician from Madeira. After virtually carrying his side to their first European Championship title in France two years ago, Cristiano Ronaldo was at it again in the Iberian Derby, taking centre stage whilst scoring his 51st career hattrick to ensure Portugal started without a loss to their name.

In doing so, he doubled his previous tally of 3 World Cup goals and outshone Lionel Messi in the ‘world’s best player’ debate. And with Morocco and Iran to play, CR7 will be licking his lips at the chance to put himself clear in the race for the Golden Boot, as well as putting his side in pole position to qualify, of course!

Anything less than a win for Ronaldo’s Portugal though could seriously damage their chances of advancing to the first knockout stage, while they’d be added to a lengthening list of favourites to become a cropper so far in Russia

Manager Fernando Santos has a fully-fit squad from which to select his side and ensure this doesn’t happen, though expect a couple of changes to the team who drew against Spain with Andre Silva in line to replace Gonçalo Guedesupfront. Bruno Fernandes, slightly underwhelming against the Spaniards, may also drop out in favour of João Mário on the left of midfield.

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To lose in the last minute is one thing. But to lose to a last minute own goal against a side who failed to register a single shot in the second half. Well, that’s a sickener. Morocco manager Herve Renard summed it up post-match by claiming he would’ve even been disappointed to even draw, such was his side’s superiority over Iran.

Nonetheless, they’ll need to pick themselves up in quick time with a positive result needed in this encounter with Portugal to keep alive the possibility of reaching the last 16 for only the second time in their history.

The North African outfit will look to follow in the footsteps of fellow underdogs Iceland, Mexico and Switzerland by stopping Portugal from taking maximum points, while their famous 3-1 victory over the Portugese at Mexico ’86 should serve as some form of inspiration in what is just the second meeting between the two countries.

This said, they’ll be up against it from the off with Ronaldo and co also requiring the win to take care of their own qualifying chances. And they’ll be understrength in defence, not ideal when you’re coming up against arguably the world’s best player.

Definitely missing will be stand-in right back Nordin Amrabat who suffered a concussion against Iran, quite a blow for the Atlas Lions considering regular right-back and key player Nabil Darir is struggling with injury also.

Betting Tip

Unfancied Morocco cannot be ruled out completely here – they were unlucky to lose against Iran, dominated the game for large spells (68% possession) and can only blame themselves for some poor finishing. This has also been a finals where the underdogs have made a name for themselves and though it’d be a shock if David stopped Goliath once more, it wouldn’t be a total surprise.

Even so, it’s hard to look past a Portugal victory and a comfortable one at that, especially with Ronaldo hellbent on convincing the world that he is indeed the GOAT.

An early goal should see the European Champions prevail with a bit to spare, ending Morocco’s chances of qualifying in the process.

Bet Portugal to win & Cristiano Ronaldo to score on Ladbrokes