Morocco out to stun Spain in final Group B game

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Sunday Jun 24, 2018. 13:00

Spain are set to take on Morocco in their final 2018 FIFA World Cup Group B match at the Kaliningrad Stadium in Russia on Monday.

Kick-off is at 20h00 CAT.

The Red Fury clinched their first win at the tournament when they beat Iran 1-0 at the Kazan Arena on Wednesday.

As a result, Spain are sitting at the top of Group B standings with four points from two matches. They are ahead of second-placed Portugal on goal-difference.

The European giants will qualify for the Round of 16 if they overcome a wounded Morocco side.

Isco and Diego Costa are the Red Fury's dangermen and they will look to help their team end their Group B campaign with a win.

Meanwhile, Morocco recorded their second consecutive defeat at the tournament when they lost 1-0 to Portugal at the Luzhniki Stadium on Wednesday.

The Atlas Lions find themselves on fourth spot on the Group B standings without a single point. They are three points behind third-placed Iran.

Morocco, who won the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, are desperate to end their World Cup campaign with a win after failing to qualify for the next round.

Medhi Benatia and Hakim Ziyechi are important players in the Lions of Atlas squad and they will be keen to inspire their team to victory.

In head-to-head stats according to the FIFA.com, Spain and Morocco have locked horns twice.

The Red Fury have won both games against Atlas Lions.

Match referee Ravshan Irmatov, who hails from Uzbekistan, will be in charge of Monday's clash between Spain and Morocco.