After causing a major upset in the round of 16 tie against Spain, Morocco now move into the last 8, to face the neighbours of the team they just defeated, Portugal. Moroccos victory has already led to the departure of Luis Enrique after an early exit, and they will be hoping to do the same thing to Fernando Santos, Portugals head coach. Although the group stage games were full of underdog victories, the knockout stage has proven to be quite predictable, with every pre-match favourite being victorious apart from Spain.
In this tactical analysis, we will preview the meeting between Morocco and Portugal. We delve into the tactics used by each side, going into depth about each teams strategies to win the game. Whether that is through a pragmatic or free-flowing approach, there is an analysis of what to expect from both sides, in regard to how they build play, create chances, and set up without the ball. We will provide information on how we believe both sides will set up, and where they may be looking to gain the vital edge that will guide them to the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup.
Team News
Morocco did not have any major injury worries after their beating of Spain after penalties, but a 120-minute gruelling affair may be too soon for some players. We expect the starting lineup to remain the same, but West Hams Nayef Aguerd had to come off late in the game and is a doubt heading into the game. Jawad El Yamiq would be the likely replacement should Aguerd be unavailable. Fiorentinas Sofyan Amrabat put in an eye catching performance with his defensive display and a calm presence on the ball. However, he had to play on injections and spent long hours at night with his physiotherapist, in order to give him the best chance of being ready for the game.
After being on the pitch for 120 minutes, it is unclear whether Amrabat will be ready for the game, but seeing his dedication to the previous game, he will likely do whatever it takes to play in what will be the biggest game of his career. Every other member of the starting XI is likely to remain in the team as well unless a player has too much fatigue after the hard-earned win on Tuesday.
On the other hand Portugals lineup had a number of unexpected changes in their 6-1 victory over Switzerland. Fernando Santos opted for a more attacking approach, getting rid of a holding midfielder like Ruben Neves and instead of playing 2 sitting midfielders, he picked 2 players more comfortable in the 2nd and 3rd phases, to add an attacking threat. Otavio, Bernardo Silva and William Carvalho will form the midfield 3, in a move which will allow the whole team to be much more fluid on the ball. Manchester Uniteds Diogo Dalot and Borussia Dortmunds Raphael Guerreiro will likely be the full-backs, with Joao Cancelo surprisingly being dropped to the bench after playing in every group stage game.
In the front line, Joao Felix and Bruno Fernandes will start wide, but likely move into more central areas. Free agent Cristiano Ronaldo was unexpectedly dropped to the bench, but his replacement, Benficas Goncalo Ramos, made a debut start to remember, scoring the first hat-trick of the tournament, with an assist on top of that. After such an impressive team performance, it is likely that the starting XI will remain the same for the clash with Morocco.
How Portugal can hurt Morocco
In the build-up phase, William Carvalho will drop in between the two central defenders to form a back 3, whilst the two full-backs push higher up the pitch. Morocco are unlikely to press high, although may do so from goal kicks or throw-ins in the 1st third. The increased number of technically sound players has allowed Portugal to be very reliable in possession, and difficult to mark due to the frequent rotations.
During these rotations, a player in the line of the midfield four will play the ball forward and make a penetrative run, to stretch the opposition team vertically, while either Bruno Fernandes or Joao Felix, who start either side of Ramos, are comfortable with dropping in deeper into the midfield to overload any potential press from the opposition. As the two players swap positions, it gets harder to figure out who should mark who, and gaps open up for the Portugal players to exploit. Both full backs stay wide, to offer an option of switching play should any press be too aggressive and organised.
Once possession is sustained and Portugal move into the oppositions half, this is where we can see the majority of the match playing out in. Portugal will set up in a 3-2-5 shape, with both fullbacks staying high and wide, while Joao Felix and Bruno Fernandes operate in either half space. This setup will offer a solid base from which Portugal can retain the ball with technically outstanding players, whilst having dangerous players across the front line.
As seen in the image below, Otavio and Joao Felix have swapped positions. Having a fluid front line, with technical players all over the squad allows these constant rotations to happen continuously. We can see that both Felix, and Silva who is positioned next to him have adequate amounts of space around them, as the player supposed to be marking Felix had followed Otavio too far. These rotations can give the Portuguese players the one second of time on the ball they need to make a progressive passing option, and break a defensive line.
