It was finally ‘the time for Africa’ on Tuesday when Senegal got the better of Poland to register a maiden victory for the continent at this World Cup.
It was a great pity to see Egypt almost self-implode against Russia, but today, we have another continental side on show – Hervé Renard’s Morocco.
The Atlas Lions need a win to stay alive after a tragic late goal saw them go down to Iran in their opening game...
2pm: Portugal v Morocco
We’ve seen all the upsets in this tournament already, so will it be the case again in this match? It’s hard to see that happening, especially with Cristiano Ronaldo buzzing after his incredible hat trick against Spain.
Portugal must win to stay on course for the knockout rounds, and will hope to be defensively stronger after conceding three goals against the Spaniards.
Morocco will be without the injured Noureddine Amrabat, but still have the classy Juventus star Mehdi Benatia, who will likely be the man to mark Ronaldo.
So, who's ready for Matchday 7? 😁 #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/TACh7AeWZw
— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) June 20, 2018
But the Portuguese skipper had the last laugh when the two clashed in the Champions League in April, as he converted a penalty after Benatia brought down Lucas Vazquez in stoppage time that saw Real Madrid advance to the semi-finals 4-3 on aggregate.
Who will be smiling at the game today?
Prediction: Portugal 2-0 Morocco
5pm: Uruguay v Saudi Arabia
Watch out, Saudi Arabia! After a disastrous 5-0 defeat to Russia, the Saudis will be expecting the worst against the likes of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani.
Suarez was unable to score in the 1-0 win over Egypt, but in what will be his 100th match for his country, the Barcelona sharpshooter could regain his confidence by getting on to the score-sheet.
After a heavy defeat against the hosts in the Opening Match, Saudi Arabia’s Taisir Al-Jassim is looking to bounce back 💪 #URUKSA pic.twitter.com/oGHuo5WQVf
— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) June 20, 2018
This is the game for the South Americans to announce themselves as contenders for the title...
Prediction: Uruguay 5-0 Saudi Arabia
8pm: Iran v Spain
Guess which team already have three log points? Yes, Iran are on top of Group B! Former Bafana Bafana coach Carlos Queiroz had his team well-organised against Morocco, and despite it being an own goal by Aziz Bouhaddouz, the Iranians will be looking to close down the array of Spanish superstars.
“We are here to write our success story” 💪
They face a monumental task with Portugal and Spain in their group. But can IR Iran progress to the Round of 16 at the #WorldCup? pic.twitter.com/K4Yl5li2tH
— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) June 20, 2018
Diego Costa is the man whom they need to mark closely, as even though the likes of Andres Iniesta, Isco, Thiago and the rest are the playmakers, it is Costa who needs to finish off those chances.
A defensively-minded Iran may pose some difficult challenges for Spain compared to a Portuguese side that played an open, attacking game, but it may not be enough.
Prediction: Iran 0-2 Spain
@ashfakmohamed