Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo (2ndL) celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group B football match between Portugal and Spain at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi on June 15, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Jonathan NACKSTRAND /
Group: B
Team: Portugal vs Morocco
Time: 1:00pm
Venue: Luzhniki Stadium
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After the thrilling Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired 3-3 draw played out by Portugal against Spain, Fernando Santos’ side will hope to get their first victory at the tournament with eyes on finishing top of the group. For Morocco, it was the unfortunate loss to Iran that has made their tough job in Group B almost impossible. The North African side have to pick up points against both Portugal and Spain to have any hope of qualification. It remains to be seen if Herve Renard’s side have the quality to stop the firepower and sheer genius of Cristiano Ronaldo alongside his band. Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi confirmed that it is difficult to stop him.
For Ronaldo, winning the golden boot award at the World Cup will represent another milestone in his career. Therefore with his eye trained on it, expect the Real Madrid forward to actively seek the means to improve his personal tally. Nonetheless, Morocco also have the quality to stunt their mor illustrious opponents as they did in 1986 when Abdelrazzak Khairi and Abdelkarim Krimau helped the Atlas Lions to a 3-1 victory.
Possible line-ups:
Portugal: Rui Patricio; Cedric, Pepe, Jose Fonte, Raphael Guerreiro; William, Joao Moutinho, Bernardo Silva, Joao Mario; Andre Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo
Morocco: Monir El Kajoui; Achraf Hakimi, Ghanem Saiss, Mehdi Benatia, Hamza Mendyl; Karim El Ahmadi, Hakim Ziyach, Mbark Boussoufa, Younes Belhanda, Noureddine Amrabat; Khalid Boutaib
Did you know?
Cristiano Ronaldo can surpass his combined goal tally (3) in his three previous World Cups if he scores a goal against Morocco.
Source: G Sport
