World Cup 2022 - Younes Zerdouk: "Portugal will leave space against Morocco"

Sport News Africa: Do you make Portugal favourites for this 2022 World Cup quarter-final?

Younes Zerdouk: Yes, and I think a lot of people feel Portugal are stronger. They left a very good impression against Switzerland in the round of 16 (6-1), with Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench. We saw that without him Portugal remained a team of a very high level, and that the man who replaced him, Gonçalo Ramos, is a superb striker, since he scored three goals! This team has experience of major tournaments, and there is quality in every department, with excellent players, including Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and so on. You can rank Portugal among the contenders for the title. But at this level, once you reach the quarter-finals, everyone hopes to go all the way, even if some teams look better equipped.

Morocco knocked out Spain. They now face a side who also like to have the ball, but use it differently...

Indeed. Spain have a possession game that can become sterile. We saw that against the Moroccans. The Portuguese play a possession-based football too, but their game is more direct. They get forward much more quickly. I watched their friendly just before the World Cup against Nigeria (4-0) closely, and that team made a very good impression on me.

"It will also be decided mentally"

Against Spain, even though they were largely dominated, Morocco created a few good chances. Do you think it will be the same on Saturday?

Portugal are an attacking side who leave more space for their opponents. So I think the Moroccans will have chances on the counter. We don't know what will happen on Saturday. Whether Morocco score first or Portugal do, the game could unfold differently. We should expect a slightly more open match than Morocco-Spain. The Moroccans will have to use the ball even better than they did against La Roja. If they want to take the next step, that seems essential to me, against an ambitious team who can aim for the title. Of course, the pressure will be a little more on the Portuguese. But at this level, there is pressure on everyone, even if Morocco have already made their World Cup a success. If they are knocked out, nobody will blame them.

The physical side will also be important...

Indeed. Both teams played on Tuesday, but Morocco had to go through extra time and a penalty shootout. Moroccan defenders Saïss, Aguerd and Mazroui were injured, and today we don't know whether they will be fit. Between Tuesday's game and Saturday's, the Moroccans will need to have recovered well. This quarter-final will also be decided on the physical side, but also the mental side. The World Cup started almost three weeks ago, the games are coming thick and fast, and there is fatigue and pressure. Personally, I think that even if Portugal are favourites, Morocco have their chances and can get through this round.

Alexis BILLEBAULT