Morocco v Spain

Morocco became the second African nation to reach the last 16 when they surprisingly topped Group F above European heavyweights Croatia and eliminated Belgium. It was no more than the Moroccans deserved after following up their goalless draw with Croatia with an even more impressive 2-0 win over the shell-shocked Belgians. Their 2-1 win in their final game against already eliminated Canada put the icing on an eye-catching campaign and earned them top spot in a strong group. 

Morocco tournament odds: 100/1

Spain also looked like clinching the top spot when they took an early lead in their final game against Japan, only to concede twice just after the break to turn the game, and Group E on its head. Suspicions of deliberating losing to eliminate Germany and manufacture themselves an easier route through the knockout rounds flitted around briefly, but in truth Spain pressed hard for an equaliser, only to run out ideas against the hard-working Japanese.    

Spain tournament odds: 6/1

Morocco can consider themselves very unlucky to have won a strong group only to be confronted with Spain at the first knockout stage. Spain will be thinking the reverse and will be quietly relieved to be facing Morocco, when they might have expected to be playing Belgium or Croatia. That said, Morocco will fancy themselves against anyone now, and the way they coped with Belgium and Croatia suggests a Spanish side that struggled against Japan will also have their hands full against Morocco’s lively game plan.

Match Betting Odds: 

Morocco to win: 11/2

Spain to win: 8/15

Draw:14/5

Odds correct at time of writing

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