Match Preview

The Netherlands head into the knockout rounds as one of the tournament’s standout performers after an impressive group-stage campaign. Ronald Koeman’s side collected seven points to finish first in Group F, remaining unbeaten while scoring 10 goals across three matches — among the highest tallies of any nation entering the Round of 32.

Their campaign began with an entertaining 2-2 draw against Japan before the Oranje produced one of the performances of the tournament, thrashing Sweden 5-1. They wrapped up the group stage with a convincing 3-1 victory over Tunisia, once again showcasing their attacking depth and confirming their status as genuine title contenders.

Brian Brobbey has emerged as one of the breakout stars of the competition, while Cody Gakpo has continued his excellent form in front of goal. Donyell Malen provides additional firepower, and with the likes of Frenkie de Jong, Tijjani Reijnders and captain Virgil van Dijk forming the backbone of the side, the Dutch possess quality in every department.

The Netherlands also continue to boast an outstanding World Cup record. They are unbeaten in 14 consecutive World Cup matches in regular time and have avoided defeat in each of their last 18 group-stage fixtures at the tournament.

Possible Netherlands lineup: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, De Jong, Reijnders; Malen, Gakpo, Brobbey.

Morocco have once again established themselves as one of the toughest teams to face in knockout football. Mohamed Ouahbi guided the Atlas Lions to second place in Group C with seven points after drawing 1-1 with Brazil before recording victories over Scotland (1-0) and Haiti (4-2).

The North Africans remain built on defensive discipline, tactical organization and rapid counterattacks. Their draw with Brazil once again highlighted their ability to frustrate elite opposition by limiting space and forcing opponents into difficult situations.

Achraf Hakimi continues to be Morocco’s biggest threat from both defense and attack, while Azzedine Ounahi controls the tempo in midfield. Brahim Diaz, Ismael Saibari and Bilal El Khannouss provide creativity and pace in the final third, giving Morocco enough attacking quality to punish opponents on the break.

Possible Morocco lineup: Bono; Hakimi, Mazraoui, Diop, Riad; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi, El Khannouss; Brahim Diaz, Ounahi, Saibari.

History also favors Morocco’s approach in knockout football. Since their memorable 2022 World Cup run, they have consistently troubled Europe’s strongest sides through compact defending, disciplined positioning and well-executed counterattacks.

Key Trends

The Netherlands have scored 10 goals in their three group-stage matches.

The Dutch are unbeaten in their last 14 World Cup matches in regular time.

Morocco completed the group stage undefeated with two wins and one draw.

Morocco earned an impressive 1-1 draw against Brazil during the group stage.

The Netherlands have won two of the last three meetings between these teams.

This will be the nations' first World Cup encounter since the Netherlands claimed a 2-1 victory in 1994.

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