MOROCCO have shown their run to the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup was no fluke by blazing a trail to the last four at the Olympics but will need to see off a slick Spain side to go one step further.
The North African side are emerging as a genuine global giant and they stunned Argentina with a 2-1 win in the opener at Paris 2024. That was followed up by a defeat to Ukraine but they thrashed Iraq 3-0 to seal top spot in Group B then battered the USA 4-0 in their quarter-final.
Our man Andy backed the Moroccans to come out on top and their impressive display will have confidence soaring ahead of the semi-finals.
But they now face a Spanish side who are coming to the boil at just the right time after crushing Japan 3-0 to reach their second successive Olympic semi-final.
With Spain blowing hot and cold while finishing second in Group C, I thought in-form Japan would cause them a few problems but it ended up being a comfortable win in the last eight.
Both teams head into this game with their tails up so it should be a fascinating contest as they bid to stay on track for a gold medal.
How the bookies view it: Spain favourites to march on
Despite that thumping win over the Americans, Morocco are outsiders for this one at 11/8 to reach the final and 23/10 for a win in 90 minutes. Spain are 8/15 hot favourites but the price increases to 21/20 if you back them to win in normal time. The stalemate at 90 minutes pays 11/5.
Head to head: Daggers drawn again
These sides have only faced off twice before – with those matches coming at the last two World Cups. A thrilling 2-2 draw in 2018 was followed by a tense 0-0 stalemate four years later, with Morocco progressing after winning a penalty shoot-out.
Players to watch: Red-hot Rahimi out to sink Spain
Soufiane Rahimi was one of the overage players called up by Morocco and his contribution has been huge. The Al Ain forward has netted four times at this Olympics and is 7/2 for another goal at Bet365, which looks overpriced.
I backed Barcelona's Fermin Lopez at 3/1 for a goal against Japan and he stepped up by netting a double. The midfielder's confidence will be up and he's the same price for the semi-final.
Probable line-ups
After such impressive victories in the quarter-finals, it would be a surprise if either manager made changes for this game. Abel Ruiz's goal against Japan should see him get the nod up front again for Spain.
Morocco: Mohamedi; Hakimi, Boukamir, El Azzouzi, El Ouahdi; Targhalline, Richardson; Akhomach, El Khannouss, Ezzalzouli; Rahimi.
Spain: Tenas; Pubill, Cubarsi, Garcia, Miranda; Barrios, Baena; D. Lopez, F. Lopez, Gomez; Ruiz
Anything else catch the eye?
Semi-finals can often be tense, cagey affairs so I'm expecting this game to be similar to the one these nations played out at the World Cup in Qatar.
Betting against BTTS looks good at 10/11 while under 2.5 goals is a little shorter at 4/5. The half-time draw is another good option and that pays 11/10.
If goals do come then they could arrive after the break and backing the second 45 to be the highest-scoring half is priced at 11/10.
This Olympics match between Morocco and Spain will be played on Aug 5, 2024 and kick off at 17:00. Check below for our tipsters best Morocco vs Spain prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
