- What: Morocco vs. Portugal, 2022 FIFA World Cup - Quarterfinals
- When: Saturday, December 10, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. EST
- Where: Al Thumama Stadium in Qatar
- How to watch: Peacock (ESP), Fox Sports (EN), Telemundo
The 2022 World Cup quarterfinals have arrived as only eight teams remain in the tournament in Qatar. Morocco stunned Spain in a jaw-dropping penalty shootout in the knockout stages, clinching their ticket to the next round. Awaiting them in the quarterfinals is Portugal, who used a 6-1 rout of Switzerland in the round of 16 to book their spot. We're going to make some Morroco vs. Spain World Cup picks for the quarterfinal matchup.
Before we dive into the Morocco vs. Portugal World Cup picks for the quarterfinal round, make sure to take a look at our soccer betting guide in order to get all the tips and tricks you need. Additionally, check out our World Cup betting guide which has plenty of useful information.
Morocco vs. Portugal Odds
 | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco | +0.5 (+118) | +440 | O 2.5 (+118) |
| Portugal | -0.5 (-143) | -145 | U 2.5 (-143) |
| Draw | +265 |
Heading into the matchup, Portugal is favored over Morocco in their World Cup clash. Portugal (-145) is expected to take care of business against Morocco (+440) in the first 90 minutes. A draw (+265) is also considered a bit of a longshot. As for the spread, it's expected to be a close game, with Portugal -0.5 coming in at (-143) odds. The total is set at 2.5 goals, leaning towards Under 2.5 (-143).
Morocco Best Bets
Morocco's victory over Spain was one of the biggest stunners of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The penalty shootout heroics of Yassine Bounou and Achraf Hakimi will live on in Moroccan history forever. But now they have to focus on the task at hand once again. Portugal is coming off a resounding 6-1 win over Switzerland during their last game, and they'll be looking to replicate that type of performance against Morocco.
They'll be lucky to score six goals against this defense, however. Morocco has only conceded one goal during its first four games of the World Cup, outscoring opponents 4-1 during the tournament. Even in the penalty shootout against Spain, Bounou didn't surrender a goal on any one of the three penalties he faced. This whole game will revolve around the battle between Morocco's defense and Portugal's offense.
Of course, when discussing Portugal's offense, it's impossible not to mention Cristiano Ronaldo, who was benched in favor of 21-year-old Goncalo Ramos during the knockout stages. Ramos scored a hat-trick in his World Cup debut, and figures to be back in the starting lineup from here on out. Slowing him down will be crucial for Morocco as he looks to build off an unreal debut at the tournament.
Morocco's defense is going to be looking to maintain their excellent form, but against a Portugal squad that's scored 11 goals at the World Cup, that could prove difficult. Portugal has scored two or more goals in all but one of their four World Cup matches, something that will be put to the test on Saturday. In a battle between a top offense and top defense, I'm going to back the offenses to produce some magic. The first pick here is Both Teams To Score (+108).
Portugal Best Bets
Cristiano Ronaldo is unlikely to earn his place back in Portugal's starting lineup, and perhaps that's for the better. The entire team looked at ease and in sync during their 6-1 win over Switzerland, and they'll look to pick up where they left off last time out when they take on Morocco. Bruno Fernandes is having a phenomenal tournament and will be hoping to carry that right into the quarterfinals.
Portugal's offense thrived with Ramos playing as its striker, so expect the 21-year-old breakout star to be right back in the fold on Saturday and hungry to score goals. Portugal will be well-prepared for Morocco's ability to park the bus and keep games low-scoring, but they'll be determined to find a gap in the defense that's conceded just one goal at the World Cup.
A low-scoring game certainly makes sense here, but Portugal has only been in one game where the total has gone below three goals during the World Cup. They've also conceded at least one goal in three of their four matches at the World Cup, so their defense hasn't been quite as sharp as their offense. While Morocco has only four goals in four games, they have enough quality in the attacking third to get on the board against Portugal.
The second bet for this game is Over 2.5 goals. If Portugal's offense can give them a lead early, Morocco will have no choice but to abandon their defensive mindset and pursue a goal. Morocco will absolutely enter the game in a defensive shape, but that doesn't mean they will be successful at shutting out Portugal amid their flurry of goals in Qatar.
odds="+155" cta="Bet Now!" id_partner="195"]
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