So far, Morocco caused the biggest upset of the tournament’s knockout stage. Following their betting on the World Cup win over Spain in the Round of 16 on penalties. Meanwhile, Portugal eased past Switzerland, thumping them 6-1.
The 2016 European Champions’ Round of 16 performance caught gambler’s attention. Including young striker Goncalo Ramos netting a superb hat trick. Hence, Portugal will certainly open as the betting favorite. And they will close as the heavy chalk to reach the competition’s semi-finals. But Morocco has the proven ability to beat the best.
2022 World Cup – Top Games on Saturday, December 10, 2022
Morocco vs. Portugal Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, December 10, 2022, 10 a.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Al Thumama Stadium |
| 2022 FIFA World Cup TV Coverage: | FOX |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | -½,-1 (-120) | 2½ (+115) | -150 |  |
| Morocco | +½,+1 (EV) | 2½ (-135) | +478 | |
| Draw | – | – | +265 | |
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Morocco took Spain the whole way. However, the teams could not be separated after 120 minutes. Hence the Africans prevailed on penalties (3-1). Following the elimination of one of the tournament’s online sportsbook favorites, Morocco will take huge confidence into Saturday. Indeed, Morocco vs. Portugal is a blockbuster quarter-final against Portugal. Additionally, after cruising past Switzerland, which many pundits picked to progress, Portugal became the last team to book the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, Portugal dropped Cristiano Ronaldo for Tuesday’s Last 16 tie. But they came back to their brilliant best. Young forward Goncalo Ramos was tasked with replacing Ronaldo. And then he delivered with a dream World Cup debut. To illuminate, the Benfica striker netted three goals. And his first goal was becoming a contender to win ‘goal of the tournament’.
Now that sets up a showpiece showdown against Morocco on the weekend. Naturally, Portugal will come into the game confident they can go on to set up a semi-final tie against the winner of England vs. France.
When it comes to player availability, Morocco suffered a notable injury. Specifically, defender Nayef Aguerd plays his domestic soccer for West Ham. He came off against Spain in the game’s second half. Now he looks unlikely to make a return in time for the quarter-finals.
After coming through their first knockout Bet the World Cup game unscathed, Portugal is at full strength. However, following Ramos’ hattrick, the big question will be whether or not Ronaldo can force his way back into his nation’s starting lineup
This World Cup Betting matchup is expected to be a high-scoring affair. Both teams are at their best when they play free-flowing, attacking soccer. Consider they both line up with high-flying full-backs. Hence the action should be end-to-end for large parts of the game.
Certainly, Morocco is more than capable of pulling off another upset. But they were forced to play a grueling 120 minutes against Spain. And then deciding the contest on penalties. So it is fair to assume that Portugal will have the edge. Morocco will pose more of a threat to Portugal than Switzerland did.
England vs. France Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, December 10, 2022, 2 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Al Bayt Stadium |
| 2022 FIFA World Cup TV Coverage: | FOX |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | PK (-140) | 2½ (+110) | +142 | |
| England | PK (+120) | 2½ (-130) | +210 | |
| Draw | – | – | +222 | |
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France and England each won their groups as expected. However, both sides hit minor stumbling blocks before they reached the knockouts. England failed to score against the United States in a 0-0 draw. But that was bookended by dominant victories. Meanwhile, France cruised through their first two World Cup betting matches. Additionally, they suffered a shock defeat to Tunisia to close the group stage. However, that loss came as Les Bleus looked to give many of their stars some valuable rest. That strategy paid off as France eased past Poland, 3-1, in the round of 16.
