ADVANCE
These are truly pinch times for Morocco: a World Cup quarter-final first place finish, the first ever to take place in the Arab world, no less, and now a meeting with Portugal and their superstar striker Cristiano. Ronaldo.
Well maybe.
Because Ronaldo once again managed to steal the spotlight in his own inimitable way, even surpassing Morocco’s historic run to the last eight on the schedule before Saturday’s narrative-laden match.
Predicted Lineups
Morocco: Bounou; Hakimi, Saiss, Aguerd, Mazraoui; Ounahi, Amrabat, Amallah; Ziech, En-Nesyri, Boufal
Portugal: Coast; Dalot, Pepe, Dias, Guerrero; B. Silva, Carvalho, Octavio; Fernndez, Ramos, Felix
Will it start or not? That’s the big question being asked of Ronaldo after Portugal coach Fernando Santos ruled him out for a 6-1 win over Switzerland in the round of 16 on Tuesday.
The five-time world player of the year was not only relegated to the bench, his replacement, 21-year-old Goncalo Ramos, scored a hat trick to leave Santos with a huge selection dilemma against Morocco.
The Portugal squad announcement some 90 minutes before kick-off is highly anticipated as Ronaldo prepares to play in the World Cup quarter-finals for the second time in his glittering career. Portugal is at this stage for only the third time, perhaps surprising given the talent that has come from the country over the years.
As for Morocco, the nation finds itself in uncharted territory after becoming the fourth African country to reach the quarterfinals in football’s biggest tournament, after Cameroon (1990), Senegal (2002) and Ghana. (2010). None of them made it to the semifinals. Morocco is also the only team from outside of Europe or South America to reach the quarterfinals in Qatar.
Their penalty shootout victory over Spain in the round of 16 sparked wild celebrations not only among their many fans in Qatar but also at home and in the Moroccan diaspora of around 5 million people spread mainly across Europe, who have joined behind the World Cup streak. the team nicknamed the “Atlas Lions”.
Morocco fans took to the streets of European cities to celebrate the team’s passage to the quarterfinals, which came after Morocco advanced from a group containing second-placed Belgium and 2018 runners-up Croatia. .
The team is led by Walid Regragui, who was born in France, and 14 of the team’s 26 players were born abroad, the highest ratio for any team at a World Cup being held in the Middle East for the first time. in its 92 -year history.
The standard bearer of the Arab world, Morocco is also in the quarterfinals on its own merits. The team have only conceded one goal, and that was an own goal against Canada, and are proving very well organised, with a solid back four headed by Achraf Hakimi, a dedicated midfielder in Sofyan Amrabat, two mercurial wingers in Hakim Ziyech. and Sofiane Boufal, and a striker in Youssef En-Nesyri who occupies defenses with his relentless work rate.
However, three key players could be struggling to be healthy enough to play against Portugal. Amrabat said he played through a back injury that required injections of painkillers in the match against Spain, during which captain Romain Saiss finished the game with a bandaged leg after treatment and central defender Nayef Aguerd limped off crying with an apparent injury. on the thigh.
Portugal seem to have no such problems, with the depth of Santos’ squad so impressive that it could afford to leave the likes of Ronaldo, Joao Cancelo and Rubén Neves on the bench against Switzerland after all the knockout phase games started. groups.
Santos said he chooses his team based on his opponent’s strengths and weaknesses, but it would be a surprise if he makes any changes after a match that put Portugal among the tournament favourites.
Even if he starts as a substitute again, Ronaldo, playing in his likely last World Cup, is expected to see some time on the pitch. Given the drama constantly surrounding him, he’s sure to be a talking point no matter what.
-AP
When and where to watch
When will the Morocco vs Portugal quarterfinal game start?
The Morocco vs Portugal quarter-final match will kick off at 8:30pm IST, on December 10.
Where will the Morocco vs Portugal quarterfinal kick off?
The quarterfinal match Morocco vs Portugal will kick off at the Al Thumama Stadium.
Where to watch the Morocco vs Portugal quarterfinal match in India?
The Morocco vs Portugal quarterfinal match will be broadcast live on Sports18 and Sports18 HD. On Android and iOS, the 2022 FIFA World Cup will be streamed live on JioCinema.
Where can you watch the Morocco vs Portugal quarterfinal match outside of India?
Argentina – Live broadcast: Telemundo
United States – TV: FOX, Telemundo; Live streaming: fuboTV, Fox Sports app, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo
Canada – Television: CTV, TSN; Live streaming: fuboTV, TSN app
UK – Television: BBC One; Live streaming: BBC iPlayer, BBC sports website
Australia – Television: SBS; Live broadcast: SBS on demand
New Zealand – TV: Sky Sports; Live broadcast: Sky Sport
Malaysia – TV: RTM, Astro; Live Stream: Astro Go
Singapore – TV: Mediacorp Channel 5; Live broadcast: StarHub TV+, IPTV, Singtel TV
Hong Kong – Television: BeIN Sports, ITV; Live broadcast: Now TV, ViuTV
Nigeria – SuperSport and Showmax Pro.
