- Morocco are unbeaten in their last 10 matches in all competitions, winning eight and drawing two.
- Brazil are six wins, one draw, and three defeats from their last 10 games in all competitions.
- Morocco have won their last four away matches, scoring an average of 3.00 goals per match and conceding an average of 0.50 per match.
Ancelotti adds defensive solidity to Brazil's attacking flair
Brazil come into this all important fixture off the back of three consecutive wins that have seen Ancelotti's side thrash Panama 6-2 and beat Egypt 2-1 in their final two games. Vinicius Junior is the most likely to be the first to break through a solid defence with his explosive pace and ability to dribble at speed, while Rodrygo provides creativity and clinical finish from the right-hand side, both of which are crucial to this Brazil side.
Brazil are typically a team that dominate the ball, create overloads in wide areas, and utilise the strength of their midfield to make quick transitions, but Morocco's system of play will make it difficult for them to do so. Morocco's 5-0 victory over Burundi and 4-0 victory over Madagascar in their warm-up games were followed up by a 1-1 draw with Norway, in which Morocco's solid defensive structure was tested.
Morocco to upset the odds again
Morocco have had an excellent run of form, having not lost a single game in any competition in their last 10 matches. Azzedine Ounahi is the maestro of the midfield, creating chances, controlling the tempo and starting attacks from deep, but it's Achraf Hakimi who is the primary facilitator for Morocco's attacks, playing as a right-back but cutting inside to link up with the forwards.
Morocco's recent form has been excellent, going unbeaten in their last five matches with three wins and two draws, but their away form is what will have the Brazilians worried. Morocco have won all four of their away matches this year, scoring an average of 3.00 and conceding 0.50 per game. Morocco have a clinical forward in Youssef En-Nesyri, who is the perfect fit for this transitional style of football.
Expect Morocco to frustrate Brazil
This match will likely be won by who can control the wide areas, particularly Hakimi's right-hand side, but Morocco will want to sit back and let Brazil come to them before unleashing a flurry of fast-paced counters. Brazil have been in solid form recently and will be looking to continue that with a win, but Morocco are a tough nut to crack and their defensive solidity will frustrate the Brazilian side.
Marquinhos is the backbone of Brazil's defence, a true leader who is a force in the air, but Morocco's compactness will make it tough for them to get enough of the ball to keep pace with Morocco's counter-attacks. Morocco have an incredible unbeaten streak and an incredible away record, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see them pull a result in New York/New Jersey. Morocco to win is 23/5, Over 2.5 goals is 107/100, and Both Teams to Score - No is 37/50.
