The knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup continued Tuesday, with Morocco earning its first trip to the quarterfinals after upsetting Spain in a penalties shootout. It will play Portugal, who dismantled Switzerland and proved its prowess with a 6-1 win. With the matchup set, check out the Portugal-Morocco opening odds and betting lines.
Portugal-Morocco Opening Odds & Betting Lines
Per DraftKings:
Portugal: -150
Morocco: +475
Draw: +275
Morocco has catapulted its Cinderella run through the World Cup using a stout defensive effort. It has allowed one goal throughout the World Cup — an own goal — and was able to stave off Spain, which controlled the pace for most of the game and through extra time. In the shootout, it was goalkeeper Yassine Bounou who stole the show, stopping penalties from Sergio Busquets and Carlos Soler, and forcing Pablo Sarabia to hit the post.
The biggest storyline surrounding Portugal throughout its World Cup run is pertaining to superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who is likely playing in his final World Cup. After causing a stir with Manchester United, Ronaldo has been granted his release by the Reds, and some drama has ensued on the international stage. For the first time in this World Cup, Ronaldo was left out of the starting lineup, and although he was called on as a late sub, he didn’t factor into any of Portugal’s goals in the victory. It was his replacement, Goncalo Ramos, who scored the first hat trick of the World Cup.
In four previous World Cups, Ronaldo failed to take home the trophy, but Portugal won the EURO tournament in 2016. Even if Portugal opts to keep Ronaldo on the bench for the start of the Morocco game on Saturday afternoon, it’s likely we’ll still see him at some point.
Either way, it’s going to take another gutsy effort from Morocco to hang with more talented Portugal this weekend.
