Morocco have turned out to be the surprise package of the FIFA World Cup 2022 so far and the African side will be raring to go in their first-ever quarter-final tie against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal at the Al Thumama Stadium in Qatar, on Saturday.
The Atlas Lions have already caused some upsets on their way to the last-eight, registering a surprising win against Belgium in the group stage, followed by a penalty shootout win over 2010 champions Spain in the last 16.
No opposition player has been able to score against Morocco in the World Cup so far with the only goal against them coming from an own goal against Canada in the group stages.
However, they have got themselves a bigger task ahead of them with a matchup against high-flying Portugal in the quarter-finals.
The Navigators are coming from a 6-1 win against Switzerland in their last 16 encounter with Goncalo Ramos, who replaced Cristiano Ronaldo in the side, scoring the first hat-trick of the tournament on his World Cup debut as well. The limelight before the game though has been on CR7, who along with the country's football federation have denied reports that he threatened to leave the World Cup after he was benched for the game against Switzerland. Expect Ronaldo to be the centre of attention for this game as well even if he once again doesn't make the playing XI.
Portugal team news
In terms of team news, the 2016 European champions have ruled out Danilo Periera and Nuno Mendes from the tournament due to injuries they suffered earlier in the tournament. After his stunning hat-trick, Goncalo Ramos should keep his place in the side.
Morocco team news
Morocco, meanwhile, will be coming into the game after a tiring 120 minutes of football in the last 16 which left some of their players exhausted. In the final exchanges of standard time, Nayef Aguerd was compelled to leave due to a muscular ailment. Captain Romain Saiss didn’t leave the field but needed extensive thigh treatment as well.
Morocco vs Portugal head-to-head
Morocco: 1 win
Portugal: 1 win
Draws: 0
Morocco vs Portugal interesting facts
Morocco are yet to lose in the FIFA World Cup 2022 with 1 draw and 3 wins in the tournament so far.
Morocco are the first Arab nation to play the World Cup quarter-finals.
The Atlas Lions haven't conceded a goal from any opposition player in the World Cup this year.
At 39 years and 283 days old, Portugal defender Pepe is now the oldest player to score in the World Cup knockout stage after his header against Switzerland in Tuesday's 6-1 victory.
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FIFA World Cup 2022, Quarterfinals: Morocco vs Portugal live match time and telecast details
Date: December 11, 2022
Match time (IST): 08:30 PM
Live telecast: Sports 18 HD
Live streaming: Jio Cinemas