Morocco vs. the Netherlands World Cup prediction: Odds, picks, best bet for Mondays Round of 32 clash

The Netherlands and Morocco are two of the best teams in the World Cup.Clockwork Oranje are ranked No.

7 in FIFA’s rankings, and they were the eighth-favorite to lift the trophy before the tournament at 20/1.The Dutch were semifinalists at the 2024 European Championships, and they took eventual champions Argentina to a penalty shootout in the quarterfinals at the 2022 World Cup.According to Transfermarkt, the total value of the Dutch side is $750 million, the eighth-highest in the field.The Atlas Lions are No.

6 in FIFA’s rankings, they just won the African Cup of Nations (sort of), and were a semifinalist at the 2022 World Cup.They were one of the trendiest dark horses at this year’s tournament as a 40/1 outsider.Both teams went 2-1-0 (W-D-L) in the opening round despite being drawn into tough groups.

All things being equal, these teams should be considered contenders to at least make a run to the semifinals.Only one problem, they are playing each other on Monday, meaning one of them is guaranteed to be eliminated in the Round of 32.

Such is life in these major international tournaments, where the luck of the draw matters almost as much as a team’s form.The Netherlands is a -174 favorite to advance, and they are +120 favorites to win the match in 90 minutes.Morocco’s shocking run to the semifinals in 2022 was built on defense.The Atlas Lions made themselves compact and waited for their opportunities.

They had no problem scratching out wins after 90 minutes or in penalty shootouts.This version of Morocco is different.Under Mohamed Ouahbi they’ve been more aggressive and willing to take risks on the ball.

They’re not just a clinical counterattacking side anymore.The Atlas Lions scored six times, created 6.1 expected goals (xG), and generated 10 big scoring chances in the group stage against Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti, which is an impressive haul for a team that was known for its prowess in low-event matches.The trade off has been that Morocco has...