One of the standout ties in the last 32 takes place at Gillette Stadium on Monday, where an in-form Netherlands side meets a Morocco team that has already proven it belongs among the tournament’s leading contenders.

Both nations collected seven points during the group stage, but only one can continue the journey towards the latter rounds of the World Cup.

Netherlands have found their attacking rhythm

The Dutch have grown stronger with every game in North America. After twice surrendering the lead in an entertaining 2-2 draw with Japan, Ronald Koeman’s side responded emphatically, sweeping aside Sweden before comfortably dispatching Tunisia to finish top of Group F.

Ten goals in three matches underline just how dangerous the Oranje have become in the final third. Brian Brobbey has given the attack a physical focal point, Cody Gakpo continues to deliver in major tournaments, while the supporting cast has ensured goals are coming from several different areas.

Perhaps more importantly, the Dutch appear to have found a better balance after the opening draw. They committed fewer bodies forward unnecessarily against Sweden and Tunisia, making them far less vulnerable in transition. This is beginning to resemble a team capable of going deep into the competition.

Morocco relish the underdog role

Morocco have shown once again that their run to the 2022 semi-finals was no fluke. A deserved draw against Brazil immediately demonstrated they could compete with the world’s elite before disciplined victories over Scotland and Haiti secured second place behind the Selecao on goal difference alone.

Mohamed Ouahbi has retained the defensive organisation that became Morocco’s trademark four years ago while allowing greater freedom to players such as Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari in attacking areas.

Saibari has been one of the revelations of the tournament, scoring three goals in the group stage and arriving in the knockout rounds full of confidence. Alongside Achraf Hakimi’s attacking threat from full-back, Morocco possess enough quality to trouble any defence left in the competition. The Atlas Lions have become exceptionally difficult to control, both with and without the ball.

Team news

The Netherlands have received positive news after Denzel Dumfries and Brian Brobbey were both declared fit. Micky van de Ven is expected to return at left-back, with Koeman otherwise likely to stick with the side that defeated Tunisia.

Morocco are set to recall several first-choice players after rotating against Haiti. Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, Issa Diop, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Azzedine Ounahi are all expected to return, while Saibari once again leads the attack after an outstanding group stage.

Verdict

This has all the ingredients of a genuine knockout classic. The Netherlands have arguably been the more convincing attacking side across the group stage, but Morocco have repeatedly demonstrated an ability to frustrate elite opponents before punishing mistakes at the other end.

With both teams comfortable playing at different tempos, the margins are likely to be exceptionally fine. Morocco’s defensive resilience, combined with the growing influence of Saibari and Brahim Diaz in transition, gives them every chance of producing another memorable World Cup result.

Tip: Morocco to win.