₦airaland Forum

*Spain battling IR Iran and Portugal for qualification
*Morocco playing for pride after two defeats

Spain and Morocco will have different aims when they meet in Kaliningrad on Monday 25 June, in what will be each team's final Group B fixture. La Roja are intent on getting a result to seal a spot in the Round of 16 without depending on the outcome of the other game between IR Iran and Portugal, while the already-eliminated Atlas Lions are out to salvage some pride.

Fernando Hierro's side are heavy favourites on paper, and although they were troubled by Iran last time out, they came through in the end to extend their remarkable unbeaten streak. Spain have now gone 22 games without tasting defeat since succumbing to Italy in the last 16 at UEFA EURO 2016.

On the other hand, despite two creditable displays, Morocco have recorded back-to-back defeats at this World Cup. Their aim is to avoid an unwanted hat-trick or, at the very least, to get on the scoresheet – something they have yet to do – so that they do not suffer the ignominy of going home without a goal to their name. The last time a team failed to score in all three of their group games was back in 2010 when both Algeria and Honduras went home with a zero in the 'Goals For' column.

Did you know?
Morocco have only won two of their last 15 World Cup matches. However, those two victories both came in their final group games: a 3-1 success against Portugal in 1986 and a 3-0 victory over Scotland in 1998.

Possible line-ups
Spain: David de Gea; Jordi Alba, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Dani Carvajal; Koke, Thiago Alcantara, Isco, David Silva; Diego Costa, Iago Aspas

Morocco: Monir El Kajoui; Achraf Hakimi, Ghanem Saiss, Mehdi Benatia, Hamza Mendyl; Karim El Ahmadi, Hakim Ziyach, Mbark Boussoufa, Younes Belhanda, Noureddine Amrabat; Khalid Boutaib

DonFreshmoney:
Spain 3
Mumuco 0

banqalee:
This WC be giving me maximum joy. Won 19k yesterday

benben1000:
Diego Costa is one of the most underrated scorers (finishers) of our generation. I have watched football for decades, believe me, I will rank Diego Costa top 5 finishers, all behind Brazilian Ronaldo. What do I mean by a finisher? These are special strikers that know how to score, they know what to do with the ball in the box. Ronaldiho was not a good finisher. Zidane was not a good finisher. Figo was not a good finisher. Messi is not a good finisher. Portugal Ronaldo is not a good finisher. Brazilian Ronaldo remains the undispuitable finisher in the history of football. Romario comes behind him. Thiery Henry was a also a good finisher. Zlantan is also a good finisher. Aguerro( that short man) is also a good finisher. Diego Costa I'll rank way up there.

benben1000:
Diego Costa is one of the most underrated scorers (finishers) of our generation. I have watched football for decades, believe me, I will rank Diego Costa top 5 finishers, all behind Brazilian Ronaldo. What do I mean by a finisher? These are special strikers that know how to score, they know what to do with the ball in the box. Ronaldiho was not a good finisher. Zidane was not a good finisher. Figo was not a good finisher. Messi is not a good finisher. Portugal Ronaldo is not a good finisher. Brazilian Ronaldo remains the undispuitable finisher in the history of football. Romario comes behind him. Thiery Henry was a also a good finisher. Zlantan is also a good finisher. Aguerro( that short man) is also a good finisher. Diego Costa I'll rank way up there.

Soms12:
Yesterday was Messi's birthday I pray they don't use Naija game do after party...

lalasticlala:
https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/preview-spain-v-morocco