Netherlands vs Morocco Predictions
Both teams showed their quality in the group phase, and a fascinating duel should be expected in Mexico.
I fancy both teams to score, while I also have stakes on Morocco to win or draw, and to qualify.
Morocco Capable of Avoiding Defeat
- Netherlands have seen BTTS in 6 of their last 7 matches
- Morocco have seen BTTS in 3 of their last 4 matches
- Morocco are unbeaten in their last 32 matches
Netherlands Edge H2H Record
Netherlands and Morocco have met on three previous occasions. The Dutch won two of those fixtures, while Morocco claimed one victory.
Their only previous World Cup meeting came in 1994, when the Netherlands claimed a 2-1 group-stage victory in Orlando.
Morocco gained revenge with a 2-1 friendly win in 1999, before the Netherlands won by the same scoreline in 2017.
Netherlands Impress in Group F
Netherlands booked their place in the World Cup knockout phase after topping Group F with seven points from three matches.
Ronald Koeman’s side began their campaign with a 2-2 draw against Japan before an impressive 5-1 win against Sweden. The Dutch then sealed top spot with a 3-1 victory against Tunisia in their final group-stage fixture.
That result ensured the Netherlands finished above Japan and Sweden, with their attacking numbers among the best in the competition.
The Oranje scored ten goals in three group games, although they have now failed to keep a clean sheet in each of seven internationals played this year.
Uzbekistan, Algeria, Tunisia, Poland and Lithuania have all breached the Dutch rearguard over the past year.
Koeman’s side will again rely on their quality in the attacking areas. The Europeans have outperformed their xG, with ten goals scored from 5.2 expected goals. However, defensive fragilities could prove an issue against a strong opponent on Tuesday.
Morocco Maintain Solid Form
AFCON champions Morocco secured their place in the round of 32 after finishing second behind Brazil in Group C on goal difference.
The Atlas Lions opened their campaign with a solid performance, picking up a 1-1 draw against Brazil before edging Scotland 1-0 in their second fixture. Mohamed Ouahbi’s side then secured qualification with an entertaining 4-2 win against Haiti.
Ismael Saibari has been the standout performer for the Africans, scoring in each of his three appearances during the group phase.
One of the pre-tournament dark horses, Morocco remain unbeaten in their last 32 internationals.
Semi-finalists in 2022, the Atlas Lions also claimed famous knockout victories against European opponents Spain and Portugal during their heroic run four years ago.
Squads and Team News
Netherlands Squad
Goalkeepers: Bart Verbruggen, Robin Roefs, Mark Flekken
Defenders: Lutsharel Geertruida, Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Ake, Jan Paul van Hecke, Mats Wieffer, Micky van de Ven, Denzel Dumfries, Jorrel Hato
Midfielders: Marten de Roon, Ryan Gravenberch, Tijjani Reijnders, Guus Til, Teun Koopmeiners, Frenkie de Jong, Quinten Timber
Forwards: Justin Kluivert, Wout Weghorst, Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo, Noa Lang, Donyell Malen, Brian Brobbey, Crysencio Summerville
Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has received a fitness boost ahead of Tuesday’s round of 32 clash.
Denzel Dumfries and Brian Brobbey had been carrying slight knocks, but both players are available for selection. Brobbey is expected to lead the line, while Dumfries should continue at right-back.
Speaking to the media ahead of Tuesday’s fascinating contest, Koeman picked out Achraf Hakimi as Morocco’s danger man.
"He is the star man and a very good right-back, so we have to prepare ourselves very well for him."
Morocco Squad
Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou, Munir Mohamedi, Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti
Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, Marwane Saadane, Zakaria El Ouahdi, Issa Diop, Chadi Riad, Youssef Belammari, Redouane Halhal, Anass Salah-Eddine
Midfielders: Sofyan Amrabat, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Oussama Targhalline, Azzedine Ounahi, Bilal El Khannouss, Neil El Aynaoui, Othmane Maamma
Forwards: Soufiane Rahimi, Brahim Diaz, Ismael Saibari, Amine Sbai, Yassine Kechta, Ayoub El Kaabi
Morocco are expected to recall several key players after making changes for their final group-stage fixture against Haiti.
Noussair Mazraoui, Issa Diop, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Azzedine Ounahi are all expected to return to the starting XI.
Recently acquired Bayern Munich forward Ismael Saibari has scored three goals at the tournament and is likely to lead the attack again for the Atlas Lions.
Head coach Ouahbi talked up his side’s chances of going all the way ahead of Tuesday’s matchup.
"The Moroccan national team has entered a new phase. The players have become confident in their abilities, and the opponents have come to respect our team, so we must have confidence in ourselves and our capabilities.
"That is why our goal must be to win the World Cup, but achieving that requires respecting all opponents. I am confident in the work we are doing."