World Cup Predictions & Tips | Round of 32: Netherlands vs Morocco

Match 75: Netherlands v Morocco
Location: Estadio Monterrey
Time: 1:00pm Tuesday 30 June
Head to Head: Netherlands Wins (2), Morocco Wins (1), Draws (0)

Key Stats

• Netherlands have not lost a match in regulation time of this tournament since 2006
• Over 3.5 goals is 5-0 in Netherlands last 5 matches in this competition
• Morocco are undefeated in their last 32 games across all competitions and friendlies
• Hakimi recorded 2+ shots in all three group games

Preview

Arguably one of the most intriguing Round of 32 matchups, this one could genuinely go either way as both teams bring tremendous unbeaten runs into the contest. The Dutch have not lost a match in this tournament in regulation time since 2006 while Morocco have now gone 32 games without a loss. Their 4-2 win over Haiti was more difficult than the scoreline suggests and they have now scored 4+ goals in 3 of their last 6 games.

Success builds confidence and Morocco will not be intimidated by the Netherlands. After all, they knocked out Spain and Portugal four years ago before going down to France in the semi finals. Under 2.5 goals held on in all three of those matches and despite an abundance of attacking flair on both teams, goals will not be easy to come by. The numbers surrounding the Dutch are rather different with 4+ total match goals and both teams to score hitting in each of their last 5 matches in this tournament.

Their respective final group games are not a good indicator of how this contest will be played out. In those matches, their opponents needed to push for the win which created an abundance of space for the Dutch and Moroccan attacking players to exploit. That will not be the case here as Morocco have a history of employing defensive tactics against top-tier nations. There has been a total of only 14 goals scored in their last 9 games in this tournament when facing teams ranked in the top 40 with no more than a single goal scored in 4 of those matches. Moreover, 3 of the last 5 knockout matches played by the Netherlands in this competition have been decided by a penalty shootout. Dating further back, the Dutch have been to extra time 6 times in the history of this competition and have come out victorious only once!

Player To Watch

The one player that gives Morocco a fighting chance is Hakimi and don’t be mistaken into believing that he is a right back. He may be listed as a right back on the team sheet but he travels to every corner of the pitch. Against Haiti he accumulated 5 shots and 5 crosses which translated into a goal and a crucial assist. Once he gets into the attacking third, he has a licence to roam free and that means switching to the left side. Netherlands’ communication will need to be at the top of its game otherwise Hakimi will hurt them!

Betting Tips

Best Bet: Morocco Double Chance ($1.75)
Other: Draw ($3.30)
Value: Morocco Win in Penalty Shoot-out ($11)
SGM: Under 2.5 goals, 1st Half Result – Draw, Hakimi 2+ Shots