FIFA World Cup Tips and Previews, 7th December
Morocco vs. Spain
December 7
Spain has experienced everything there is to experience in the group stages, but now they are in the round of 16, they are as well placed as anyone to go on and win the World Cup.
This was the stage of the tournament where they were eliminated in the 2018 Cup, and those memories will be fresh. They have plenty of offensive weapons to get the job done here, and any one of Rodri, Pedri, and Dani Olmo can destroy an opponent in the blink of an eye. But the recent track record would suggest Alvaro Morata is their biggest asset, having scored in each group match.
Morocco has made a habit of starting well, which they will be looking to do again here. Hakim Zyeck will be a big target early, as will Romain Saiss and Achraf Hakimi.
With both teams coming into this one with a fully fit squad, we will see them both playing to their full potential. Spain went into the tournament as one of the firm favourites to win it, having been there before in 2010. It’s a genuine possibility that they will replicate that success in Qatar and should have no problem advancing through this one.
SUGGESTED BETS:
Hakim Zyeck first goal at $13
Alvaro Morato score any time at $2.40
Spain win at $1.50
Portugal vs. Switzerland
December 7
Switzerland isn’t considered one of the heavy hitters of European football, but they have an impressive record in the World Cup, with three finishes in the Round of 16 in its past four appearances.
To win through to the quarter-finals for the first time since 1954 would be enormous and is within grasp. Two impressive wins over Cameroon and Serbia have them in top shape, with Breel Embolo and Xherhan Shaqiri their leading men up forward. Illness hit them during the group stage, but that isn’t an issue anymore, and they will front up to this clash with a fully fit squad to choose from.
Portugal has been inconsistent at times but remains one of the biggest threats to bigger nations, mainly because of the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo. He has shown his class several times and, after a nightmarish couple of months in club land, will be keen to use the world stage to remind everyone why he is such a supreme talent. They will most likely be without fellow stars Otavia and Danilo Pereira, which will bring them back to the field a little, but regardless they should be able to win through to the quarter-finals from here.
