In the penultimate round of 16, Morocco and Spain met at the Education City Stadium. Morocco won the last matchday of Group F with a victory over Canada. Spain, on the other hand, lost 2-1 to Japan, just like Germany after taking the lead.
In a group with Croatia, Canada and the favoured Belgians, the North Africans remained undefeated and entered the last 16 as group winners with seven points. The Spaniards were delighted to progress thanks to their superior goal difference after beating Costa Rica. However, with only four points from three games, the Roja have so far fallen short of their expectations.
The two teams have met once in their history: four years ago in Russia. On the third matchday of the group stage, the game ended in a 2-2 draw, with Spain advancing to the knockout stage and Morocco heading home.
After a long defensive struggle, Morocco prevailed on penalties. This is the first time they have reached a quarter-final. Sevilla goalkeeper Bono saved all three of the Spanish penalties. Besides him, Amrabat was particularly convincing in his performance.
In this tactical analysis article, we will focus on Moroccos defensive tactics and their transition situations. We will also take a closer look at the Spanish offensive play. But first, we will start the analysis by introducing the two lineups.
Lineups
Walid Regragui set up his team in a 4-3-3 system, which repeatedly became a 4-1-4-1/ 4-5-1 in defence. Sevilla FCs Bono played in goal and the back four in front of him was made up of Achraf Hakimi from PSG, Nayef Aguerd, Romain Saiss and Noussair Mazraoui. Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi and Selim Amallah formed the three midfielders and Hakim Ziyech and Sofiane Boufal started on the flanks. The only nominal striker was Youssef En-Nesyri.
Luis Enrique also lined up his team in a 4-3-3 system. Unai Simon started in goal and his defenders were Marcos Llorente, Rodrigo, Aymeric Laporte and Jordi Alba. The midfield three consisted of three Barcelona players with the captain Sergio Busquets and the two young talents Pedri and Gavi. The offensive line was made up of Dani Olmo, Marco Asensio and Ferran Torres.
Marocco´s defensive performance
Morocco have already impressed with a strong defensive performance throughout the tournament. They have only conceded one goal so far and have only allowed two shots on goal. Against Spain, they were again able to convince defensively and pose problems for their opponents offensive.
Against the Spaniards with their possession football, they stood compactly in their own half in a 4-1-4-1 or 4-5-1 system. The main focus was on taking the three creative midfielders Pedri, Gavi and Busquets out of the game.
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