Spain was expected to beat Japan, and most pundits had them picked to do just that, but the Blue Samurai has been bold. They have come to the Arab World determined to compete and have already shown us they are capable of holding their own. Spain lost that match, but it was a strange scenario where the result of that game had an impact on Germany’s chances of going through. Defeat isn’t something that sits kindly with the Spaniards, and we’re expecting to see a reaction on Tuesday.
Their World Cup stats heading into this match show they started with a draw in their opening group game, ending level with Croatia, and that was the launchpad they needed. Morocco then went on to beat Belgium in what ranks as one of the biggest shocks in a competition that has produced more than a few. Needing to win game three to go through, Morocco had no trouble stepping up to secure the points needed to keep their journey alive. Their group stats of two wins and a draw from three games earned Morocco seven points, two more than Croatia and three better than Belgium.
Their World Cup stats heading into this match show they started with a draw in their opening group game, ending level with Croatia, and that was the launchpad they needed. Morocco then went on to beat Belgium in what ranks as one of the biggest shocks in a competition that has produced more than a few. Needing to win game three to go through, Morocco had no trouble stepping up to secure the points needed to keep their journey alive. Their group stats of two wins and a draw from three games earned Morocco seven points, two more than Croatia and three better than Belgium.

 
The week began with two matches as Japan played Croatia before Brazil took on South Korea. Tuesday’s programme sees Portugal and Switzerland face off after Morocco meets Spain in what’s sure to be a thriller. Will the Spanish do as expected and join the competition’s biggest teams in the last eight? They are favourites to do so, with many respected pundits expecting a clear win for the former champions. But Morocco can’t be ignored, and Qatar has already taught us to expect the unexpected in this winter World Cup.

Morocco v Spain prediction

The stats show Morocco and Spain have played only once before, with that game played back in June 2018. That match produced four goals, ending in a 2-2 draw at the World Cup. Spain took the lead that day with Isco finding the net inside 20 minutes but needed a late leveller from Iago Aspas with 90 minutes on the clock to finish level. The teams were forced to share that day, but this match will be played to a conclusion with the availability of extra time and penalties. But which side will progress to the next round, and how will they achieve the result? Our team of experts preview.
Morocco has impressed followers in Qatar with their efforts in this competition. They weren’t seen as one of the potential winners before play began last month but were unbeaten in their group stages and have now won the respect of critics. They came through a strong Group F ahead of Croatia in second, with Belgium ending in third, joining Canada on a jet out of the country. Losing Belgium was a major surprise, and it will have lasting effects on the team, but Morocco’s form meant they deserved to go through as winners of the pool.

World Cup odds

 
Make sure to bet on Morocco v Spain with 22Bet!
The pre-match betting odds available to all registered members of 22bet have Morocco available at 6.05, with Spain trading at 1.605 and the draw 3.76.