Morocco vs Iraq, Olympics Football 2024, Today Match Prediction

Morocco vs Iraq Match Prediction & Analysis

Buckle up and get ready for the final round of matches in the Group of Death, which pits Africa against Asia in Group B. Morocco and Iraq will face off in a winner-take-all match at the Allianz Riviera in Nice at 8:30 p.m. IST.

In terms of table standings, Morocco is second with one victory and one defeat, the latter coming against Ukraine, which they lost 2-1. Soufiane Rahimi scored Morocco's consolation goal in that match. Similarly, Iraq is coming off a 2-1 loss to Argentina after overcoming Ukraine by the same scoreline in the first encounter.  A win for either team will see them through to the quarterfinals. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Morocco Preview

Like the other three teams in Group B, Iraq has an equal opportunity to make it to the quarterfinals. However, they do have a problem with the goal differential. After the first two rounds, they have conceded the most goals in the group, which is why they are last in the points table despite having the same number of points as Morocco and Ukraine. However, if they win on Tuesday, the goal difference will not be a concern. 

It was widely accepted that Iraq’s chances of progressing to the knockouts depend on Ali Jasim. He was the top scorer in the AFC Asian Cup, and he did well against Ukraine, coming off the bench. However, he looked lacklustre against Argentina, despite playing for 87 minutes. And finished the match with zero shots. In fact, Iraq only took six shots throughout the game, three of which were from their captain, Aymen Hussein, who also scored the consolation goal. 

Given their goal differential, Radhi Shenaishil will understand that his team cannot afford anything other than a win on Tuesday. So we might see some changes to 11 but Shenaishil's preferred formation of 4-2-3-1 is unlikely to change.

Iraq Probable Playing XI - H Rasetim (Goalkeeper); M Saadoun Al Korji, H Al Rikabi, Z Hantoosh, A Al Reeshawee (Defenders) ; I Kamil Al Kaabawi, K Ali, H Ali, M Maslookhi (Midfielders) ; Y Amyn, A Hussein(c) (Forward) 

Iraq Preview

Within a few days, the Atlas Lions would have experienced the highs and lows that come with the beautiful game. In the eighth minute of injury time, they saw the worst sight in football: a last-minute goal that changed the game. Kransnopir's last-minute goal changed the game from a draw to a win for Ukraine. A draw would have allowed the Atlas Lions to advance to the quarterfinals. 

The Lions dominated the match with 66% possession and managed to take 19 shots, just 6 of which were directed at the target. But, surprisingly, the Lions only had seven shots inside the box compared to Ukraine's ten, which made the difference. And, to no one's surprise, their xG after the first two games is 0.81, the same as Iraq's. However, they do have a better xGA than Iraq's, which is among the worst in the tournament. So, once again, they will get chances to score, and all the Lions have to do is make it count. 

"Bygone are bygones," coach Tarik Sektioui would have told his troops following the setback. They must defeat Iraq in order to advance to the knockout stage. Tarik Sektioui is set to start in a 4-4-1-1 formation, but with Ilias Akhomach starting on the right flank instead of Abde Ezzalzouli. 

Morocco Probable Playing XI - Mohamedi (Goalkeeper); Hakimi, El Azzouzi, Boukamir, Ouahdi (Defenders); Targhalline, Richardson, Ilias Akkomach, Ben Seghir(Midfielders);  Soufiane Rahimi, El Khannouss (Forwards)

MOROCCO vs IRAQ
Winning Prediction

It's a close game to call, with Iraq and Morocco winning a game each in the two games played by the teams. The last time these two played was in October 2023, when Iraq won the game by a solitary goal in the 42nd minute of the match.

On paper, Morocco is still the best team, but one cannot underestimate Iraq in such circumstances; they have been in such positions before, most recently in the bronze medal match of the AFC U23 Asian Cup, where they recovered from behind to win. Anyway, the encounter is set to be a cagey affair, with a lone goal potentially deciding the fate of these two teams.

Morocco U-23 to Win (3-0)

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