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Given their performances during the group stage, it's unfortunate that either the Netherlands or Morocco will exit the competition this early. These two teams have played some of the most exciting football to date, so it would have perhaps been more appropriate for them to meet in a later round.
Nevertheless, the Oranje commenced their campaign with a deflating result. Up against Japan in their first match, Ronald Koeman's men shared the points (2-2).
After a tight first half, the game opened up after the break, with both teams trading blows in a lively second period before Japan equalised late on. The Dutch then stepped up: a demolition of Sweden (5-1), followed by a more controlled win over Tunisia (3-1), saw them claim top spot in Group F.
With ten goals in three matches, the Netherlands boast one of the most prolific attacks in the tournament, led in particular by Cody Gakpo, who has scored twice, and Brian Brobbey, already with three goals to his name.
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One of the tournament's big success stories in Qatar just under four years ago, Morocco have confirmed they are no longer underdogs but a nation firmly established amongst the elite.
Mohamed Ouahbi's men held their own against Brazil (1-1) in Group C's opening clash, matching their opponents in every department. Against Scotland, an early goal from Ismael Saibari was enough to make the difference. The final group game against Haiti proved much tougher than expected: twice trailing against a spirited and inspired Grenadiers side, the Atlas Lions had to work hard before finally making the difference in the last quarter of an hour.
Goals from Soufiane Rahimi and then Gessime Yassine eventually secured a hard-earned 4-2 win, which ensured they finished runners-up behind group winners Brazil.
Tuesday's meeting with the Oranje holds a special significance for a number of Moroccan players. Several were born in the Netherlands, including Noussair Mazraoui, Sofyan Amrabat and Anass Salah-Eddine. It will undoubtedly be an emotionally charged encounter, but there will be little room for sentiment once the match kicks off.
Netherlands v Morocco – Predictions
Both Teams to Score: 19/20 (bet365)
Cody Gakpo to score or assist: 6/5 (bet365)
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
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Both teams to score
Alongside Germany and France, the Netherlands statistically have the best attack in the tournament. The Oranje consistently packed a punch up front throughout the group stage, scoring in all three fixtures. However, they remain fragile defensively, having also conceded in every group game.
Morocco have a similar profile. Although usually solid at the back, the Moroccans struggled slightly against Haiti. In fairness, most of their problems stemmed from isolated incidents, such as Wilson Isidor's stunning long-range strike and an unfortunate own goal. Overall, the Atlas Lions managed to control the opposition's best spells, confirming their generally reliable defensive organisation.
Both teams have considerable attacking potential. For Morocco, Ismaël Saibari (three goals) has established himself as a real threat in the box, while Brahim Díaz offers creativity and dynamism between the lines.
The flanks are also a major weapon thanks to the efforts of Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui, who are both capable of making a decisive contribution in the final third.
The Dutch also have plenty of firepower, with the likes of Cody Gakpo, Brian Brobbey and Donnyell Malen all providing a constant threat. They can also lean on the attacking quality of Memphis Depay, who is the Netherlands' all-time top goalscorer and capable of making the difference at crucial moments.
Consequently, it's unlikely that this one will be a low-scoring affair.
Prediction: Both Teams to Score: 19/20 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet lands if both teams score, regardless of the final result.
Cody Gakpo to make a telling impact
Having already registered two goals thanks to his quick-fire brace against Sweden, Cody Gakpo is once again proving himself to be a big-game player in a Netherlands shirt.
Gakpo has consistently stepped up to the plate in major international tournaments, netting three goals on both the 2022 World Cup and at Euro 2024, finishing as joint top scorer in the latter.
Able to operate out wide or through the middle, Gakpo has established himself as the Netherlands' leading attacking figure. He combines power, intelligent movement and clinical finishing, making him a nightmare opponent to defend against.
Developing his talents at PSV Eindhoven before joining Liverpool, he has reached another level on the international stage, where he almost always delivers in crucial matches.
In a potentially high-intensity clash against Morocco, his ability to speed up transitions and exploit defensive errors could once again prove decisive.
Prediction: Cody Gakpo to score or assist: 6/5 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet will land if Cody Gakpo scores or assists during the match.
Goals Galore
As previously mentioned, the Netherlands and Morocco were two of the most attacking teams during the group stage. The Dutch have scored ten goals, one of the best tallies in the tournament, while Morocco have already found the net on six occasions, confirming their immense threat in the final third.
At the same time, both teams have seen their defensive weaknesses exposed. The Netherlands have let in at least one goal in every match, while Morocco often leave gaps as they plough forward and are therefore vulnerable to being counter-attacked.
With so much attacking talent on display in a potentially end-to-end encounter, expect there to be plenty of goals at the Estadio BBVA on Tuesday morning.
Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals: 6/5 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet will land if three or more goals are scored during the match, regardless of the final result.
Netherlands v Morocco – Odds
Match Result
To qualify
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
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