USATSI
High-scoring Portugal will take on the surprise team at the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Saturday when they meet Morocco in a quarterfinal at the Al Thumama Stadium. Portugal raised eyebrows before Tuesday’s Round of 16 match with Switzerland when it was revealed that superstar Cristiano Ronaldo wouldn’t be in the starting 11. It was a move that paid off handsomely, with the Portuguese blitzing the Swiss 6-1 as Ronaldo’s replacement posted a hat trick. They will face a much tougher defense against Morocco, who knocked off 2010 World Cup champion Spain in their Tuesday matchup. The Atlas Lions frustrated Spain throughout to hold them to a 0-0 draw through extra time before prevailing on penalties. This is Morocco’s first trip to the World Cup quarterfinals, while Portugal have reached the semifinals twice.
Kickoff is set for 10 a.m. ET in Al Thumama, Qatar. Caesars Sportsbook lists Portugal as -145 favorites (risk $145 to win $100) on the 90-minute money line in its latest Morocco vs. Portugal odds. Morocco are +450 underdogs, a draw is priced at +245, and the over/under for total goals scored is set at 2.5. Portugal are -333 to advance, while Morocco are +240. Before making any Portugal vs. Morocco picks, you need to see the 2022 World Cup predictions and best bets from proven SportsLine soccer insider Martin Green.
After working in the sports betting industry for several years, Green became a professional sports writer and handicapper and has covered the game worldwide. Since then, his European soccer picks have been spot-on. Green has generated almost $35,000 for $100 bettors since the 2017-18 season. He has his finger on the pulse of the game all over the globe.
Now, Green has broken down the Morocco vs. Portugal matchup from every angle and just locked in his 2022 World Cup picks and predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see Green’s picks. Here are the betting lines and trends for Portugal vs. Morocco:
Morocco vs. Portugal spread: Portugal -0.5 (-155)Morocco vs. Portugal over/under: 2.5 goals Morocco vs. Portugal money line: Morocco +450, Portugal -145, Draw +245 MOR: Morocco have allowed one goal or fewer in 14 of their past 17 matchesPOR: Portugal have scored two or more goals in nine of their past 13 matchesMorocco vs. Portugal picks: See picks here
Why you should back Portugal
Goncalo Ramos made sure it was the right decision to hold out Ronaldo, the sport’s all-time top international goal-scorer. The 21-year-old Benfica star scored three times, and 23-year-old Rafael Leao had the final goal in the rout. The team appeared more fluid with the 37-year-old icon not dominating the attention. Bruno Fernandes delivered a corner that veteran defender Pepe headed home, and Fernandes is a capable leader for the attack. The 28-year-old has 19 goals for the national team and 30 over his past two-plus seasons with Manchester United.
Ramos leads the Portuguese Primeira Liga with nine goals this season, and Ronaldo can come off the bench and show some of his magic. He will be motivated to score when he gets the chance. Portugal put nine of their 15 shots on target Tuesday, while Morocco have 10 shots on net in the entire tournament. Portugal seemed spurred by a last-minute 2-1 loss to South Korea in their group finale and responded with an impressive outburst. Their only other losses in 2022 (9-1-3) came in the UEFA Nations League — 1-0 to that same Swiss team and 1-0 to Spain.
Why you should back Morocco
The Atlas Lions have allowed only an own goal in a 2-1 victory against Canada in their past eight games. They play with a ton of energy and aggression and shut down passing and shooting lanes to frustrate opponents. Captain Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in the middle of the back line get the ball out of danger areas quickly, and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou is capable of making big saves. Spain put one of their 13 shots on target Tuesday, and Bounou saved two penalties after the first went off the post. He has 28 clean sheets in his 47 starts.
Their defense-first approach allows fullbacks Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui to break out down the wings. Hakimi is one of the fastest players in the tournament and shares the team lead in shot-creating actions with nine. Sofiane Bousal and Hakim Ziyech also have nine, and they are joined up front by Youssef En-Nesyri in an attack that is capable of finishing. The three have combined for 41 international goals.
How to make Morocco vs. Portugal picks
Green has scrutinized the Portugal vs. Morocco match from every angle. He is leaning Over on the goal total and provides two confident best bets, including a strong pick on the winner, and has a full breakdown of the match. He’s only sharing his World Cup picks and analysis at SportsLine.
So, who wins Morocco vs. Portugal on Saturday? And where does all the betting value lie? Visit SportsLine now to see the best bets for Portugal vs. Morocco, all from the European soccer expert who has generated almost $35,000 for $100 bettors over the past four seasons, and find out.