SPAIN will be looking to bounce back from a shock 2-1 defeat to Japan when they take on Morocco in the last 16 of the World Cup TODAY.
The 2010 champions suffered a defeat in their final group match courtesy of Ao Tanaka's late winner despite the ball seemingly going out of play in the build up.
But Spain will still be confident in their ability to get the job done and have already shown their quality in a 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica.
However, Morocco just became the first African nation to top their World Cup group since 1998 - finishing above Croatia and Belgium.
Furthermore, the Moroccans find themselves on an eight-match unbeaten run and they'll be determined not to let that slip.
But they will have to produce another sensational display if they are to topple Luis Enrique's side.
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How did they get here?
Morocco kicked off their World Cup with a hard-fought goalless draw against 2018 finalists Croatia.
They then stunned Belgium's "Golden Generation", deservedly beating them 2-0 to put one foot in the last 16.
And a 2-1 victory over Canada saw them top the group - the first time an African side has done so since 1998.
Spain began with an ominous 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica and were immediately considered to be one of the teams to beat.
A 1-1 draw with Germany followed in a game that Enrique's men looked largely comfortable controlling throughout.
But a 2-1 defeat to Japan in their third group stage match was a warning sign that they may not be as accomplished as the Costa Rica win suggested.
What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?
Morocco brought the likes of Ziyech, Ouhani and Hakimi off before the end of the Canada clash so they had a bit more of a rest heading into the last-16.
And with no reported injuries for Walid Regragui to deal with, they will be able to head into the clash with a full-strength side.
Spain also have little in the way of fitness concerns.
Enrique rested Ferran Torres, Marco Asensio, Jordi Alba and Dani Carvajal for the Japan defeat - although they did all come off the bench when they fell behind.
However, expect that quartet to return from the start for the Morocco game on Tuesday.
Who will be the star men?
Morocco will be looking for some more inspiration from forward Hakim Ziyech when they face Spain.
The Chelsea man set up the second against Belgium and then scored in the win over Canada.
Meanwhile, Spain will look to Pedri and Gavi to give them control in the middle of the park as they look to control possession once more.
But it is Alvaro Morata who could turn out to be the match winner given he scored in each of their three group games.
What’s the head to head?
Spain are unbeaten in their three games against Morocco.
They claimed 1-0 and 3-2 wins over the course of an 11-day period in November 1961.
And their only other clash came in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup where they played out a 2-2 draw.
SunSport prediction
Morocco 1-2 Spain
When is Morocco vs Spain?
- Morocco's exciting last-16 match against Spain will take place on Tuesday, 6 December.
- The World Cup contest is scheduled to get underway at 3pm UK time.
- Education City Stadium is the allocated arena for this encounter and it can host approximately 44,667 fans.
- It ended 2-2 when these two huge nations met in at the 2018 World Cup.
What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
Can I watch it for free?
YES! Fans in the UK can watch Morocco's mouth-watering match against Spain for FREE as long as you have a valid TV license.
What are the odds?
After 90 mins:
- Morocco 11/2
- Draw 11/4
- Spain 11/20
To qualify:
Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct at time of publication
