MOROCCO and Iraq meet in a huge Group B showdown at the Olympics when the pair square off at the Allianz Riviera on Tuesday afternoon.
This section in particular is extremely tightly-contested, with all four sides boasting three points from their opening two fixtures ahead of the final round of action.
After hitting the ground running with a controversial 2-1 win over Argentina, Morocco fell to a 2-1 defeat against Ukraine in Saint-Étienne on Saturday.
However, the Atlas Lions remain masters of their own destiny, as a win here would send them through to the quarter-final stages.
Iraq find themselves in an almost identical position, as a win here would also be enough to seal their passage to the knockout round.
Following their 2-1 win over Ukraine in their Group B opener, Radhi Shenaishil’s side found themselves on the wrong end of a 3-1 reverse against Argentina on Saturday.
How the bookies view it: Morocco to make amends
Morocco are odds-on 4/7 favourites on Bet 365 to make an immediate return to winning ways and secure qualification in the process.
Iraq are as big as 4/1 (Bet 365) to triumph and take their place in the next round while an all square affair at the Allianz Riviera pays 3/1 (Bet 365).
Head to head: Duo difficult to separate
The two nations have crossed paths 10 times on the international stage, with both claiming three victories apiece, while the spoils have been shared on four occasions. Tuesday’s make-or-break tussle will represent the first meeting the pair since 2012.
Players to watch: Rahimi looking to rediscover scoring touch
Soufiane Rahimi scored both of Morocco's goals in their 2-1 win over Argentina on matchday one. The Atlas Lions' hopes of extending their stay in France will likely rest on the shoulders of the 28-year-old forward.
Iraq will look to highly-rated 20-year-old Ali Jasim for inspiration. The Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya forward finished as the top-scorer at the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup last season and he also notched against Ukraine during the opening round of Olympic action.
Predicted line-ups
Morocco manager Tarik Sektioui may opt to make some changes to his starting XI following his side’s 2-1 setback against Ukraine last time out.
Despite going down 3-1 to Argentina on Saturday, Iraq boss Radhi Shenaishil is expected to keep faith with the same line-up on Tuesday afternoon.
Morocco: Mohamedi; Hakimi, El Wafi, Boukamir, Nakach; Targhalline, Bouchouari, Richardson; Akhomach, Rahimi, Ezzalzouli
Iraq: Hassan; Saadon,Tahseen, Al Imam, Maknzi; K Mohammed; M Mohammed, N Muhammad, Jasim, Hassan; Ridha
Anything else catch the eye?
Given that a draw doesn’t really suit either side here, siding with over 2.5 goals stands out at 4/5 with William Hill.
Both of Morocco’s opening two group games featured three or more match goals, while the same wager would have also paid out in each of Iraq’s opening two Group B assignments.
With that in mind, coupled with the current state of affairs in the section, backing over 2.5 strikes makes plenty of sense at 4/5 on William Hill.
This Olympics match between Morocco and Iraq will be played on Jul 30, 2024 and kick off at 16:00. Check below for our tipsters best Morocco vs Iraq prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
