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Spain vs. Morocco: Africa’s Last Hope Runs Into a Magical Midfield

Related Topics: Morocco, Alphonso Davies

How to watch: 10 a.m. Eastern. Fox, Telemundo

The aura of invincibility enveloping Spain at the outset of the World Cup has since dissolved. Second-half flops against Germany and Japan, despite dominating in possession, infuriated La Roja — and empowered Morocco, which has demonstrated it has the defense, counterattacking prowess and tenacity to impose another Spanish meltdown.

Emerging top from a rugged group that contained the European powers Croatia and Belgium, the Atlas Lions have yielded just one goal in Qatar, stifling stars like Kevin de Bruyne, Alphonso Davies and Luka Modric. Morocco’s toughest task yet will be thwarting Spain’s dynamic midfield, with Pedro, Gavi and Sergio Busquets, but do not think for a second that it can’t — or won’t, even — do it.