(Football news) Underdogs Morocco will take on Spain in the 2022 World Cup Round of 16 clash. La Roja finished second in Group E behind Japan while the North Africans topped Group F, finishing above Croatia and Belgium, securing seven points from a possible nine. With Senegal, the only other African side now eliminated from the Round of 16, Morocco have a lot to play for but will definitely be wary of Luis Enrique’s Spain.

It’s only the second time Morocco have ever reached the Round of 16, the first was in 1986 when they were eliminated. Walid Regragui’s men are currently unbeaten in eight games in all competitions and could potentially reach the quarter-finals for the first time in history if they cause an upset. As for Spain, they were eliminated in the Round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup but have never suffered back-to-back exits at this point in the competition. The two sides are meeting four years after locking horns in Russia during the Group Stage which ended in a 2-2 draw.

In team news, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou will feature once again, having recovered from his illness in what could be an unchanged starting XI. Achraf Hakimi, who has had ankle trouble is expected to pass his fitness test while Ziyech, Sofyan Amrabat and Sofiane Boufal will be reinstated into the starting lineup after being rested. As for Spain, Dani Olmo, David Raya and Cesar Azpilicueta could be available for selection while Ferran Torres and Jordi Alba should be back in the starting XI. A victory for Spain is the most likely result from this fixture.

Also read: 2022 World Cup: Croatia defeat Japan on penalties to reach the quarter-final