On Saturday, the Al Thumama Stadium will host the third match of the World Cup 2022 Quarter-Finals, featuring Portugal and Morocco. Here, check out what would happen if the Seleção lose this matchup.
For the right to go to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Morocco and Portugal will compete on Saturday. Fresh from a stunning win over Spain, the Moroccans are determined to make World Cup history and Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal are well aware of the danger they present in their quarter-final clash.
The Atlas Lions are flying on the wings of a fantastic start in Qatar, having already defeated Spain in a penalty shoot-out to advance to the round of 16. They also finished first in a tough Group F, ahead of the likes of Croatia and Belgium, two European powerhouses. Meanwhile, the Seleção, who were competent but unspectacular in the group stage, fired without their captain Cristiano Ronaldo as they beat Switzerland 6-1 in the last 16.
It was widely believed that Ronaldo’s absence from the squad would allow Portugal to finally reach their full potential, having been held back by his age and poor form. Despite the punters favoring Fernando Santos, this year’s World Cup has shown us that anything is possible.
What would happen if Portugal lose to Morocco in the Qatar 2022 Quarter-Finals?
Quite simply, if the Portuguese national soccer team suffer a defeat, they would be knocked out of the tournament in the Quarter-Finals and Morocco would move on to the next round. For the World Cup, the Knockout Round consists of one-game playoffs.
Therefore, there is no opportunity to win the series by taking game two. There is no room for a mistake in this win-or-go-home approach. For Portugal to advance to the Semi-Finals where they would face one of England or France, Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates must win in regular time, after extra time, or triumph in a penalty series.
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