Portugal v Morocco Tips: Betting Odds, Preview & Predictions For This QF Game

Portugal vs Morocco Predictions:

• Portugal To Keep A Clean Sheet - 21/20 With BoyleSports
• Half-Time/Full-Time: Draw/Portugal - 10/3 With Paddy Power
• Bruno Fernandes To Score Anytime - 3/1 With Bet365

The third quarter-final of World Cup 2022 has a clear favourite with betting sites, but Morocco vs Portugal will not necessarily be a one-sided affair.

The Atlas Lions have been the surprise package of the tournament, topping their group ahead of Croatia, Belgium and Canada before knocking out Spain on penalties in the round of 16. 

After that fantastic accomplishment, Morocco will have no fear heading into this weekend’s clash at the Al Thumama Stadium.

Portugal will be full of confidence too after they demolished Switzerland 6-1 on Tuesday. 

Fernando Santos’ decision to drop Cristiano Ronaldo was vindicated as his replacement, Goncalo Ramos, notched a brilliant hat-trick to send his country through in style.

How do we see this match playing out? Read on for our thoughts on the game, including three recommended bets.

In possession, the Atlas Lions are a direct team that look to move the ball through the pitch quickly, preferring fast, incisive passes to aimless long ones. 

But the more they focus on keeping the opposition out, the less they have to offer as an attacking force.

That is why we like Portugal’s chances of keeping a clean sheet on World Cup betting sites. 

Most of the play will take place far away from their goal, while Santos’ side gave up very little from open play against Switzerland in the round of 16. 

Tip: Portugal To Keep A Clean Sheet - 21/20 With BoyleSports

Portugal Could Have A Physical Edge On Saturday

Morocco’s players put absolutely everything into their last-16 tie. Nayef Aguerd was forced off injured, while Romain Saiss could barely walk by the end after having his hamstring heavily strapped. 

Sofyan Amrabat, the midfield enforcer, revealed afterwards that he had needed painkilling injections to take part.

Those gruelling 120 minutes will have taken a lot out of Morocco. Their opponents, by contrast, should be feeling relatively fresh. 

Their meeting with Switzerland on Tuesday was essentially over as a contest after half-time. 

Even the Portugal players that remained on the pitch were able to conserve some energy after the break.

That could play into their hands. It is not yet known whether Aguerd and Saiss will be able to start this match, but even if they are the centre-back duo and most of their team-mates will not be operating at peak physical capacity.

Morocco are supremely well organised. They have only conceded once in Qatar – and that was an own goal against Canada. 

But while they will probably have some initial success in keeping Portugal at bay, the favourites with football betting sites will come on strong as the game progresses.

Spain fell into the trap of not offering enough verticality against Morocco, but Portugal are unlikely to make the same mistake. 

They might have to wait until the second half to make the breakthrough, but in the end Santos’ charges should prove too strong.

Tip: Half-Time/Full-Time: Draw/Portugal - 10/3 With Paddy Power