Team news
Spain (4-2-3-1) De Gea; Carvajal, Pique, Ramos, Jordi Alba; Busquets, Thiago; Silva, Iniesta, Isco; Diego Costa.
Morocco (4-2-3-1) Munir; Hakimi, Da Costa, Saiss, Dirar; El Ahmadi, Boussoufa; Amrabat, Belhanda, Ziyech; Boutaib.
Referee Ravshan Irmatov (Uzbekistan).
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Preamble
The World Cup moves pretty fast. It’s only 12 days since Julen Lopetegui was sacked as Spain coach but there are new stories and new crises which we can use to generate hot air. Spain have gone under the radar since the actual football started, and their geriatricos have arguably been the most impressive team in the tournament so far.
A draw against Morocco tonight would secure an unexpectedly smooth passage to the last 16, where they would face either Russia or Uruguay.
It should be a formality. Morocco are a talented, likeable team but they have nothing to play for except pride, and you know what Marsellus Wallace said about that. Spain could even go through with a defeat - you can read more about the permutations here - but they will want to win the match and the group to ensure an easier path to their semi-final defeat by England.
Kick off is at 7pm BST, 8pm in Kaliningrad.
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