The Atlas Lions have reached this stage of the competition for the first time since 1986. Unfortunately, the mighty Spain stand between them and a spot in the quarterfinals.

The round of 16 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup is nearing a wrap. Tuesday will see the final two fixtures take place, with Morocco vs. Spain, the earlier tie, being the penultimate fixture as these two nations go in search of victory at the Education City Stadium.

The question on everyone's mind is whether Morocco can pull off another upset and eliminate the European giants from the competition following their group-stage heroics, with the North African side going against the odds to make the knockout round.

The Atlas Lions were grouped with Belgium, Croatia, and Canada and were thus tipped to crash out at the first hurdle. However, to everyone's surprise, Ziyech and Co. not only made the last 16, but they also won the group.

A lovely blend of defensive solidity and clinicalness in front of goal helped Walid Regragui's men go unbeaten in the group stage, picking up an impressive seven points. And it all started with their opening game, holding Modric and Co. to a goalless draw in what was a tight affair.

However, it was their showdown with Belgium that stole all the headlines. Despite being FIFA's number one ranked nation, Morocco handed the Red Devils an unforgettable defeat, beating Roberto Martinez's men 2-0 in a result that sent shockwaves across the tournament. 

Belgium would go on to crash out in the group stage while the Atlas Lions took on–and beat–Canada, overcoming the North Americans 2-1 to secure the top spot. Morocco haven't reached the last 16 since 1986, making this unfamiliar ground for this group of players, but Spain will be ill-advised to underestimate their opponents.

La Furia Roja were also at the heart of a huge upset; however, this one did not go in their favor. Despite being one of the favorites to win their group, alongside Germany, Luis Enrique's men only made it out on goal difference.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup winners started their campaign with a bang, thrashing Costa Rica 7-0 in their opener, with Olmo, Torres, Morata, Gavi, and Asensio all getting on the scoresheet. However, their following game was against Germany and despite showing signs of brilliance, Spain could only manage a 1-1 draw, with Pedri and Co. escaping a few late scares to pick up a point.

Unfortunately, against the Japanese, Enrique's side ran out of luck. Despite dominating the first half and taking an early 1-0 lead against the Asian giants, the European powerhouse fell to an unexpected 2-1 loss to the Samurai Blue, with Ao Tanaka's winning goal sparking controversy as to whether the ball crossed the line or not in the build-up. That result dumped Germany out of the competition while demoting La Furia Roja to a second-place finish in the group.

As a result, Morocco await them in the round of 16, with the winner of this tie set to face Portugal or Switzerland in the quarterfinals. Who will secure the crucial victory in Tuesday's all-important game? Make sure to catch the action live.

Team news

Morocco: Yassine Bounou was stricken with illness during the clash with Belgium but returned for the 2-1 victory over Canada and should start in goal. Meanwhile, Achraf Hakimi, who has been playing through an ankle issue, sat out his team's Saturday training session. Hakim Ziyech, Sofyan Amrabat, and Sofiane Boufal were also given rests but expect these Atlas Lions stars to make the lineup.

Spain: Dani Olmo and Cesar Azpilicueta were absent from Friday's session, with the latter nursing a calf issue. Raya was also a no-show but Unai Simon is La Furia Roja's undisputed no.1 and this thus shouldn't be a huge issue. Nico Williams and Alejandro Balde started the 2-1 loss to Japan but should make way for Jordi Alba and Ferran Torres.

Key stats

  • This is the first time Morocco have reached the round of 16 in 36 years, last achieving this milestone in the 1986 edition before eventually crashing out after suffering a 1-0 loss to West Germany.

  • Spain will want to end their 12-year wait for a quarterfinal berth in this competition, having crashed out in the group stage in 2014 while going out in the round of 16 at Russia 2018.

  • La Furia Roja completed 2,489 passes in the group stage, which is their most in a single tournament since 1966.

  • The Atlas Lions could equal the record for the longest unbeaten streak by an African nation at the FIFA World Cup, which is held by Cameroon (five matches), if they pull off a positive result against Enrique's side.

Broadcast listings

 

Match details, result and original broadcast info

Morocco P0 - 0 Spain

December 6, 2022 10:00amEducation City Stadium (Al Rayyan (Ar-Rayyan))

This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.

Live TV coverage and streaming in United States

FOX Network
fuboTV
Sling
Telemundo
Peacock
Telemundo Deportes En Vivo
Foxsports.com
FOX Sports App
UFORIA App
Futbol de Primera Radio
SiriusXM FC