The second competitive meeting between the Netherlands and Morocco promises to be one of the most fascinating last-32 ties at the
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Both teams have tasted international success. Morocco have won the Africa Cup of Nations once on the pitch, and were given it a second time after Senegal’s shenanigans in the most recent edition back in January. The Dutch, meanwhile, won Euro 88.
They’ve each left their marks on the World Cup, too. The Netherlands are three-time finalists, Morocco were the first African team to reach the semi-finals, thanks to a stellar tournament in Qatar four years ago.
Canada’s elimination of South Africa in the first round of 32 match ruled out an all-African clash. Instead, it’s the co-hosts who’ll be lining up against one of these teams in Houston.
Held in Monterrey, Mexico, this is the first match either side will have played outside the United States this tournament. The Netherlands drew with Japan and thrashed Sweden, both in Texas, and ended the group stage with a 3-1 win against Tunisia in Kansas City.
Since starting against Sweden, Brian Brobbey has impressed as Ronald Koeman’s first-choice No.9. The Sunderland forward has struck three times in North America, while the Oranje have hit 10 – no side has been more prolific.
Morocco began with a point against Brazil in New Jersey, before beating Scotland in Boston and Haiti in Atlanta. Their draw with A Selecao was the most impressive result on paper but a resilient display against Scotland shouldn’t be overlooked.
Bayern Munich-bound attacker Ismael Saibari scored in all three fixtures, while skipper Achraf Hakimi continues to provide thrust from full-back. Plenty of admiring eyes will be on Lille teenage prodigy Ayyoub Bouaddi in midfield, too.
FourFourTwo’s prediction
Netherlands 3-2 Morocco
The Netherlands have found goals easy to come by and FourFourTwo predicts the Oranje to go through.
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