This match might end up being a must win for Portugal if things don’t go right in their opener. Portugal faces its Iberian Peninsula rival, Spain, in its first World Cup game. Those two teams are roundly expected to be the two that make it out of Group B. However, a loss for Portugal would put a lot of pressure on them to beat Morocco here. A draw could put them in the unenviable position of needing a big win against Iran in the finale to advance and hope that Spain doesn’t settle for a draw against this side. That nightmare scenario would lead to Portugal failing to make it to the knockout round.
The most anticipated sporting event in the world comes around once every four years, so don’t miss any of the 2018 World Cup. This match will take place at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow at 8 a.m. ET on Wednesday, June 20, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FS1.
World Cup Group Stage Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Morocco +493
Portugal -156
Draw +280
Over/Under 2 and 2.5
Recent Form
Both of these teams have been playing well heading into this tournament. Portugal are the defending European champions and are looking to win their first World Cup. This might be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last trip to the World Cup as he will be 37 in 2022, and Portugal knows this might be their best chance yet.
Morocco is coming off of a big win of their own, taking home the African Nations Championship earlier in the year. They have not dropped a match since January of last year, and that has them confident heading into this one.
Betting Angle
One of the reasons that Morocco might reach the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in their history is their ability to bring talent to the team from outside the country. An incredible 17 players on their roster were born outside of Morocco with many of those coming from soccer hotbeds like France, Spain, and the Netherlands.
That has given this squad experience that it wouldn’t otherwise get. Additionally, only two players on this roster play professionally in Morocco. The vast majority of the team plays somewhere in Europe, and that is something you don’t typically see from African teams. This team has been able to play against some of the top talent at the World Cup and that will help their chances.
Matchup to Watch
Cristiano Ronaldo is the best forward in the world today. Ronaldo has had an enormous amount of success as a professional. He has led Real Madrid to three straight Champions League titles and has achieved nearly everything there is to achieve with the Spanish giants.
Ronaldo has shown no signs of letting up although he is getting older. The five time Ballon d’Or winner is a frontrunner for the trophy again, leading the Champions League in goals over the course of the competition. Additionally, he paced Portugal in qualifying, finishing with 15 goals.
He will be looking to break down a defense that is much better than most people think. Morocco has been one of the stingiest teams in the world over the last couple years, and they did not allow a goal in qualifying. Medhi Benatia is the captain and a solid piece in the middle of the defense, while Ronaldo’s teammate Achraf Hakimi is one of the top young defenders in the world.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
I think that Morocco have a better chance to advance than most people are giving them. This team is tough to break down and Portugal doesn’t have a proven scorer outside of Ronaldo. The Atlas Lions have a really good chance to pick up the draw.
World Cup Group Stage Odds: Morocco 1, Portugal 1
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