Morocco hope to usurp Brazil at the top of Group C when they face Haiti on Wednesday, with the Caribbean side already eliminated from the World Cup.
With Brazil currently leading the table on goal difference and facing Scotland in their final, played simultaneously to encourage the maintenance of sporting integrity, Morocco know that victory against the Haitians may not be enough in itself to finish top. The North African giants will not only need to win, but either overturn the goal deficit or rely on the Seleção’s slide.
Morocco will be fully focused on the task at hand, however, doing their best to pile on the goals against a Haiti side that has proved surprisingly stubborn in its first two matches.
Despite having their fate already sealed, Haiti will still be motivated by the prospect of a first World Cup point and a potential first goal of this summer’s tournament.
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Morocco vs Haiti score prediction
Morocco cruises to victory
Morocco should go over Haiti. Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
Morocco are all but certain of their place in the last 32 after picking up four points from battles with Brazil and Scotland, but Mohamed Ouahbi’s side are still desperate to win the Group C final in the hope that it will be enough for a top spot.
Returning second in their group means a likely meeting with the Netherlands in the last 32, while coming first would likely set up a duel with Japan – both difficult fixtures, but the latter more enjoyable.
Haiti proved too strong in the final third to cause Scotland and Brazil major problems and should not realistically penetrate the Moroccan defense on Wednesday. He will also struggle to keep some dazzling forwards at bay in Atlanta.
Haiti’s weak attack: Sébastien Migné’s side have missed a significant attacking threat in their first two matches. Managing just five shots on goal and an expected goals total of 1.28, Haiti lacked the quality and effort to hurt their opponents. Morocco strikers: The Atlas Lions have only scored twice this summer but boast some great talent going forward. Bayern Munich’s Isamel Saibari and Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz starred, with the latter helping the striker for strikes against Brazil and Scotland.
Prediction: Morocco 3–0 Haiti
Morocco vs Haiti predicted line-up
Ouahbi will be reluctant to make changes.
Ouahbi has named the same XI for the last two games and there is no obvious reason for the 49-year-old to make changes against Haiti – unless he decides to put even more attacking power on the pitch.
Saibari and Díaz will look to combine for the third game in a row as Morocco know goal difference could be vital to decide top spot, while Bilal El Khanouss and Azzedine Ounahi will provide additional attacking support.
All eyes will once again be on Lille phenom Ayyoub Bouaddi, 18, with the precocious midfielder firmly establishing himself in the shop window with some super displays this summer.
Predicted line-up Morocco vs Haiti (4-2-3-1): Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; Bouaddi, El Aynaoui; Díaz, Ounahi, El Khanouss; Saibari
Predicted lineup Haiti vs. Morocco
Haiti has nothing to lose if they attack more. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
Haiti have opted for a back five to nullify Brazil’s attacking threats, but with no danger of their final group stage exit, Migné could return to the 4-4-2 used against Scotland in a bid to score at least one goal before departing North America.
This could lead to a return to the XI for Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor, who was on the bench last time out. The 25-year-old will partner up with the imposing Frantzdy Pierrot.
Migné has no injury concerns ahead of Wednesday’s game.
Haiti predicted line-up against Morocco (4-4-2): Placide; Arcus, Adé, Delcroix, Expérience; Deedson, Jacques, Bellegarde, Providence; Isidore, Pierrot
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What time does Morocco vs Haiti start?
Location: Atlanta, United States Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium Date: Wednesday, June 24 Kickoff Time: 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT / 11:00 PM BST Referee: Danny Makkelie (NED)
How to watch Morocco vs Haiti on TV, live
Country
Emitter(s)
United States
Fox Sports 1, fuboTV, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, UNIVERSO, UNIVERSO NOW, TeleXitos, FOX One
Canada
TSN2, TSN+, RDS 2, RDS app
Mexico
ViX Mexico
United Kingdom
BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Web
MORE: Complete list of worldwide broadcasters for Morocco vs Haiti
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