Portugal will attempt to vertically stretch Morocco in order to create space for a run at goal.
Third Semifinal: Morocco vs. Portugal (IST) at the Al-Thumama Stadium in Doha. Average age: Morocco: 27; Portugal: Average height: 27,5 Morocco: 5’9”; Portugal: 5′ 9″ Most likely to start 11:
Morocco (4-3-3)
Bounou, Hakimi, Aguerd, Saiss, Mazraoui; En-Nesyri, Boufal, Amrabat, Amallah, Ounahi, Ziyech, and
Costa, Dalot, Pepe, Dias, and Guerreiro make up Portugal’s 4-2-3-1 lineup. Otavio, Carvalho; Felix, Silva, and Fernandes; Ramos.
Area definition: Battle in the middle of the field When Portugal is trying to set up an attack, their tough midfielder William Carvalho typically moves in between the two central defenders to form a back three, while the two fullbacks push higher up the field. Morocco won’t press hard, but they might on goal kicks or throw-ins in the first third.
Portugal is very reliable in possession thanks to the increased number of technically proficient players and difficult to mark due to the frequent rotations. A player in the line of the midfield four will play the ball forward and make a penetration run during these rotations to stretch the opposing team vertically. Bruno Fernandes or Joao Felix, on the other hand, are comfortable dropping in deeper into the midfield to thwart any potential opposition press.
It becomes harder to determine who should mark who as the two players switch positions, creating opportunities for the Portugal players to take advantage of.
Morocco will attempt to play from behind during the buildup. Morocco employs a 4-3-3 formation and makes use of their highly technical backline to retain possession and advance up the field. Amrabat is very at ease on the ball at the midfield’s base and can turn either way to avoid being pressed. They’ll try to get pressure in the middle of the field before passing the ball to a fullback who can move it up the field.
Key Conflict: Bernardo Silva vs. Achraf Hakimi Achraf Hakimi is unquestionably one of the most exciting fullbacks. Naturally, his Panenka against Spain was legendary. For either Manchester City or Portugal, Bernardo Silva has remained the primary architect of attacks.