Morocco U23 vs Iraq U23 Prediction: Morocco U23 are expected to secure a narrow 2-1 victory over Iraq U23 in their Olympic football Group B clash, likely advancing to the quarterfinals.
The Allianz Riviera in Nice, France will host a crucial Olympic men’s football Group B clash between Morocco U23 and Iraq U23 on July 30, 2024. With both teams level on points, this match could determine who advances to the knockout stages.
Match Preview
Both Morocco and Iraq enter this final group game with identical records of one win and one loss. The North African side opened their campaign with an impressive 2-1 victory over Argentina before falling 2-1 to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Iraq defeated Ukraine 2-1 in their opener but were then outclassed 3-1 by Argentina.
With all four teams in Group B tied on 3 points, this match takes on added significance. A win for either side would likely secure passage to the quarterfinals, while a draw could leave their fate up to goal difference.
Predicted Morocco U23 vs Iraq U23 Lineups and Formations
Predicted Morocco U23 Lineup (4-3-3): El Ouahdi, Targhalline, Hakimi, Seghir, Rahimi, Richardson, Mohamedi, Azzouzi, Ezzalzouli, Boukamir, El Khannouss.
Coach Tarik Sektioui is expected to stick with the 4-3-3 formation that has served Morocco well so far. The attacking trio of Ezzalzouli, Seghir, and Rahimi will be crucial to their chances.
Predicted Iraq U23 Lineup (4-2-3-1): Tahseen, Saadon, Jasim, Amyn, Mohammed, Hussein, Saad, Al-Reeshawee, Ojaimi, Bayesh, Hassan.
Iraq manager Radhi Shenaishil may opt for a slightly more defensive 4-2-3-1 setup to counter Morocco’s attacking threat. Striker Aymen Hussein will lead the line after scoring in both group matches.
Key Players to Watch
Morocco:
- Soufiane Rahimi: The Al-Ain forward has been in scintillating form, scoring all three of Morocco’s goals in the tournament so far.
- Achraf Hakimi: The Paris Saint-Germain star brings valuable experience and attacking threat from right-back.
Iraq:
- Aymen Hussein: With two goals in two games, the 28-year-old striker is Iraq’s main goal threat.
- Ali Jasim: The Como midfielder will be tasked with controlling the tempo in midfield.
Injury News
Morocco have no reported injury concerns heading into this crucial match. For Iraq, midfielder Karrar Mohammed Ali is doubtful after being forced off late in the game against Argentina.
Where to Watch
The match will be broadcast live on UNIVERSO and streamed on Peacock in the United States. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT.
Morocco U23 vs Iraq U23 Live Streaming and TV Schedule (Other Countries)
- United States: fuboTV, nbcsports.com, NBC Sports App, UNIVERSO NOW, Peacock, UNIVERSO
- United Kingdom: discovery+, EuroSport Player UK, discovery+ App
- Canada: CBC Sports App, cbcsports.ca
- Australia: Stan Sport, 9Now
- France: Eurosport Player France, MAX
- Germany: Eurosport Player Deutschland
- Spain: Eurosport Player Spain
- Italy: Eurosport Player Italy
- Japan: TVer
Head-to-Head Record
These teams met in a friendly match on October 12, 2023, with Iraq securing a 1-0 victory. However, competitive matches often paint a different picture, and both sides have shown significant improvement since then.
Recent Form
Morocco U23:
- Lost 2-1 vs Ukraine
- Won 2-1 vs Argentina
- Drew 2-2 vs Belgium U21 (Friendly)
Iraq U23:
- Lost 3-1 vs Argentina
- Won 2-1 vs Ukraine
- Lost 2-1 vs Egypt U23 (Friendly)
Group B Standings
- Argentina U23 – 3 pts (+1 GD)
- Ukraine U23 – 3 pts (0 GD)
- Morocco U23 – 3 pts (0 GD)
- Iraq U23 – 3 pts (-1 GD)
Who Will Win?
This encounter promises to be a tightly contested affair with so much at stake. Morocco’s attacking prowess, led by the in-form Rahimi, gives them a slight edge. However, Iraq have shown they can compete with anyone in this group.
Expect a cagey start as both teams look to avoid early mistakes. As the match progresses, Morocco’s superior technical quality may shine through. The North Africans should create more clear-cut chances, but Iraq’s resilience and counter-attacking threat will keep them in the game until the final whistle.
Morocco U23 vs Iraq U23 Prediction: Morocco U23 2-1 Iraq U23
This result would likely see Morocco advance to the quarterfinals, while Iraq would be left hoping for a favorable outcome in the group’s other match between Argentina and Ukraine.
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