Create your SBS On Demand account to stream all 64 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2022ᵀᴹ live and free any time on your favourite device.
Match 55
Morocco v Spain
Morocco unexpectedly topped Group F but did so in style - they defeated both Belgium and Canada convincingly and have quickly become fan favourites to go far in the tournament. Hakim Ziyech has thrived upon rejoining the Atlas Lions and manager Walid Regragui has them purring, particularly in defence. Wolverhampton's Romain Saiss and West Ham's Nayef Aguerd have formed a solid partnership at centre-back while PSG's Achraf Hakimi and Bayern's Noussair Mazraoui offer attacking threat as well as pacey defensive coverage. It has proven difficult to score against this Morocco team which will concern a Spain side that couldn't equalise against Japan in the final round.
Spain will be disappointed after their recent defeat, but ultimately it was a match they didn't need to win (unless Costa Rica had pulled an upset, which they very nearly did). They held all the possession but could not manage a second goal in response to a Japanese tactical change. Manage Luis Enrique will need to be at his best if he wants to take his side back to the glory days of a decade ago - the trio of Gavi, Pedri, and Dani Olmo will be the creative force up front and Alvaro Morata will be looking to add to his World Cup goals tally, while Sergio Busquets will again sit in front of the defensive line. Busquet is not as young as he used to be but remains first choice as questions are asked about how long he can play for...
Spain will be slight favourites but this should be a tight contest!
Match 56
Portugal v Switzerland
Portugal lost their last match of the group stage but can rest assured that they had rotated a lot of players. With their first team back on the pitch, they should be favourites going into this match with Switzerland. The attack has looked disjointed at times and magnificent at others, with Bruno Fernandes pulling the strings to play in any of João Felix, Rafael Leao, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Bernardo Silva remains the key man, making Portugal's midfield tick and holding up the ball when needed, while youth paired with wisdom at the back through Antonio Silva and Pepe has been solid but not untouchable. Manager Fernando Santos will need to get the balance right, lest he face more criticism with an early tournament exit...
Switzerland have performed well so far in Qatar and it's not outrageous to think they have a good chance here (think Euro 2020 against France). They will likely set-up in a similar way to their match with Brazil, where they were solid defensively. It might be the case that extra time and even penalties are what Switzerland will go for, but front man Breel Embolo has more than enough firepower and guile to threaten Portugal if Switzerland can progress the ball into dangerous areas. Captain Granit Xhaka sits on a yellow card so will need to be careful if he can, or he might face missing the next match if Switzerland can get one over Portugal.
