Morocco will be going in search of Africa’s second victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup when they take on one of the tournament favorites, Belgium in their second Group F fixture.
Although Belgium unconvincingly defeated Canada 1#0 in their first group match, Morocco held Croatia in a stalemate.
Head-to-Head record
When both teams meet this Sunday afternoon at the Al Thumama stadium, it will be only the third time both countries will be playing each other and the second time in the FIFA World Cup history.
The last time both teams met was in the 1994 FIFA World Cup where Belgium defeated Morocco 1#0 thanks to a goal from M. Degryse.
Recent Form
In the last five matches played by both teams, Belgium has recorded 3 wins and 2 defeats while Morocco has recorded 3 wins and 2 draws.
Belgium’s Last 5 Results
-Belgium 1#0 Canada
– Belgium 1#2 Egypt
– Netherlands 1#0 Belgium
– Belgium 2#1 Wales
– Poland 0#1 Belgium
Morocco’s Last 5 Results
– Morocco 0#0 Croatia
– Morocco 3#0 Georgia
– Paraguay 0#0 Morocco
– Morocco 2#0 Chile
– Liberia 0#2 Morocco
Players to Watch Out for
Belgium’s star player Kevin De Bruyne and their unsung hero Mitchy Batshuayi who scored their lone goal against Canada will be the player to watch out for.
De Bruyne has amassed 25 goals and 46 assists in 94 appearances for Belgium. The Manchester City midfielder is renowned for providing world-class assists and service for his attackers.
Batshuayi delivered in four of the past eight games and his overall record stands at 26 goals in 47 international appearances.
For Morocco, Achraf Hakimi is their wonder boy and will be a player to watch out for alongside Sofyan Amrabat who is a raging bull on the pitch.
Hakim Ziyech has scored 18 goals in 44 appearances for Morocco.
The Atlas Lions of Morocco’s best World Cup came in 1986 when they surprised everyone by not only qualifying from a group consisting of England, Poland, and Portugal but winning it. In the last 16, they pushed Germany all the way but lost to a Lothar Matthäus strike in the 88th minute. They will need to avoid defeat to keep their hopes of qualifying for the next round alive.
Injuries & Team News
Romelu Lukaku, the top-scorer for Belgium missed the opening victory against Canada. This was because of a thigh injury. Romelu has only managed to play 29 minutes of competitive football since August. It is estimated that Lukaku can return likely in the next match. Manager Roberto Martinez may make a few changes because of Belgium’s poor performance against Canada.
Morocco’s left-Back Noussair Mazraoui is out with a hip injury. Ezzalzoul is also out for Morocco because of a hamstring injury. Besides this Morocco have its key players ready, especially Hakim Ziyech.
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