In the days first game at World Cup 2018, Portugal took on Morocco in Group B looking to bag all three points to progress to the knockout stages, while Morocco needed something today just survive going out early on in the tournament.
Portugal, who were lining up in their all white change strip, would temporarily go top of Group B if they won today. On the other side of things, Morocco would go out if they were to succumb to defeat.
Portugal decided to bring in former West Ham loanee Joao Mario for this game and I was surprised to see coach Fernando Santos stick with the inexperienced Goncalo Guedes up front for the second game running lining up alongside that man Christiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo Scores inside the first 5 minutes.. again!
And once again, for the second consecutive game, Ronaldo scores inside the first 5 minutes, this time a bullet header that Morocco keeper Munir had no chance of stopping. Great goal, great start again from the Portuguese. The goal took Ronaldo to a tally of 85 goals for his country and he is now only surpassed by Iranian legend Ali Daei as the all time top goalscorer in international football. Ronaldo still has a ways to go to catch Daei though who is the current record holder on a whopping 109 goals from 149 caps!
Half an hour into this game, and to be honest with you, I thought Morocco looked the better team. Despite Ronaldo's opener, Portugal were sloppy throughout.
Watford's Amrabat runs Guerreiro ragged
Morocco head coach Herve Renard (Above), possibly the best dressed manager i've ever seen in football, has drilled his team well before kick off it seems as his boys caused Portugal a lot of problems. Watford's Nordin Amrabat looked impressive today as i wondered if i was still witnessing the same player who had a largely uninspiring season for the premier league team. Today though, Amrabat had the better of a poor looking Raphael Guerreiro on numerous occasions.
Ronaldo had a free kick on the half hour mark in dangerous territory but he can only smash the ball against the wall and the drama and expectation that never fails to surround a Portugal free kick in these positions subsides.
Morocco's Hakim Ziyach also impressed me this afternoon with his expressive and confident running with the ball. Despite how well Morocco played, they are clearly crying out for a goalscorer up front.
After 39 minutes, Portugal went close when Ronaldo leapt up to flick the ball inside the box to striker Guedes, but the nervous looking youngster, wasted what looked like a golden opportunity to make it 2-0.
As the first half came to a close, Morocco must have gone in feeling unlucky having passed the ball better, having some good chances and sharing possession equally with Portugal.
New Wolves keeper Patricio in fine form Today
After the break a great move by Portugal sees Bernardo Silva tee up Ronaldo just outisde the 18 yard box after good work down the left from Mario, but Ronaldo blasts the ball into Row Z of the stand behind the goal. I'm sure he'll be forgiven quicker than you can say the word "Taxman" but that was a Dreadful effort!
On 55 minutes, Belhanda has a decent effort for Morocco but new Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Rui Patricio makes a spectacular save to deny Portugal a second goal. Premier league new boys Wolves look like they've made a real coup with the signing of the 30 year old keeper, who was recently one of 7 players to walk out on Sporting Lisbon.
On the hour mark, i'm thinking Portugal should really consider replacing left back Guerreiro and maybe even take off striker Guedes. As soon as the thought entered my mind, portugal bring on Gelson Martins, another player part of the Sporting Lisbon exodus, not to replace Guerreiro or Guedes, but instead Man City's Bernardo Silva!
And low and behold just minutes later Guerreiro is again exposed by Amrabat. The left back clearly having a torrid time out there today against the Watford man.
Portugal conceded way too many free-kicks today, and many in decent positions for Morocco. Truth is, despite Ronaldo's opener, Portugal have been quite poor it must be said.
As we approached the final 15 minutes, things went a bit stale, not a lot happening in truth although Morocco continued to frustrate their opponents and break up Portugals play well. We also witnessed some comical play acting by Portugal's Pepe and Ronaldo today that went unpunished by officials, human and digitial alike!
So there we have it! Portugal are through and temporarily go top of Group B on 4 points (depending on the Spain result later today) while Morocco are the first to head home despite playing well today. Morocco, more than anything, just lacked a proven goalscorer up top.
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Final score: Portugal 1 - 0 Morocco
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Thanks for reading!
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