After the warning that the defeat against Japan meant, Spain will face its round of 16 clash against the unexpected group first Morocco. A game for which the team will have to show their best version against a team that has quality, solidity, enthusiasm and nothing to lose. Here are my five tactical keys for this first all-or-nothing game.
After the changes in the eleven against Japan did not work solvently, Luis Enrique will most likely choose to return almost completely to the team with which he began the World Cup. Or at least, in large part. Starting from behind, it is almost certain that Laporte and Rodri will once again be the starting center-backs and it is a day in which the role of a more positional center-back like Azpilicueta may be appropriate.
The midfield seems fixed with Busquets-Gavi and Pedri and, above, the big question is whether the coach will opt for the high-mobility forward format with Asensio as a nine or for the presence of Morata as spearhead. Whatever the choice, it is almost certain that we will see both options during the match.
Morocco gives up the initiative and withdraws with the eleven players in their own half. And it does so under the 4-1-4-1 structure. A layout that has two clear vulnerable points: the sides of the pivot (usually Amrabat). Spain has to constantly search for these reception areas. Either with the interiors (Pedri and Gavi probably) or with wingers coming inside.
If Luis Enrique's men can connect at these key points they can then be deep and dangerous. Otherwise, it will be very difficult to penetrate the defensive gear of Morocco. Super important factor with the ball.
Due to his way of playing, the band pass to the short diagonal ruptures of the nine, is one of the things that does the most damage to Walid Regragui's team. It will be a good idea that, in the minutes that Morata is on the field, he tries it and the passers look for him. The striker does this type of movement very well and Spain can get offensive profit from it.
Morocco is very strong in transitions. A good part of his game plan goes through there. He closes in his field to leave himself enough space so that after each recovery he can run. In fact, with 22% of the playing time on average, they have been the fourth team that has spent the least time in the opponent's territory of the entire group stage. Only Qatar, Costa Rica and Poland have played less in a rival field.
With what the great danger passes through there: by the fast cons. Above all, with the passes of Ziyech and the rides of En Nesyri. Placing the defensive line at the correct height, staying aligned and, especially, taking care of defensive guards on the Moroccan striker will be a vital point this afternoon.
Hakim Ziyech is clearly the most decisive footballer in Morocco. One of the highest quality left-footers on the world football scene when he's good. And he now he is. Starting from the right, he feels the confidence of the group in him and he feels the responsibility of leading the game. He is the one who gives the most key passes (1.3 on average per game), the one who dribbles the most and best (2.3 good ones per game) and who generates the most. In addition, he is in tune with the goal since he has just scored against Canada.
Another important footballer for them is Achraf Hakimi. The PSG player is a winger-carrilero with enormous deployment and depth. He gains an astonishing ease pulling power baseline. It is no coincidence that he is the Moroccan player with the most crosses. Two very dangerous pieces that coexist on the same side and feed back. Morocco attacks 44% on its right wing. Spain will have to be very good defensively and positionally to stop this sector.
