Spain was a huge -278 favorite to beat Morocco in the final match of the Group B, but they managed to earn just a draw at +400 thanks to Iago Aspas goal in the injury time of the game. Morocco had a lead two times in this clash that was finished in the over of the total of 2.5 goals at -143.
Game Recap
It was a true madness at Kaliningrad Stadium, as Spain was a huge favorite to beat Morocco at -278, but the Atlas Lions were so close to completely upset the Red Fury, and even send the one-time champions home after the group stage. Spain was struggling for all 90 minutes to create scoring opportunities, so they should be happy with the final result.
Morocco took the lead in the 14th minute after Sergio Ramos made an enormous mistake that allowed Khalid Boutaib to find the net. Just five minutes later, the Red Fury equalized after a brilliant action on the left flank, but it was all from the Spaniards in the first 45 minutes. Morocco had an excellent opportunity in the 25th minute when Boutaib could hit the brace, missing a one-on-one situation with David De Gea, so the first half was finished in a draw at +150.
Spain continued to suffer in the second half, and in the 81st minute, Youssef El Nesyri made it 2-1 for Morocco with a great header from Faycal Fajr’s corner-kick. Interestingly, at that moment, Morocco needed one more goal to send Spain home, but during the injury time, Iago Aspas’ heel shot made it 2-2. It was a huge relief for the Red Fury and its’ fans, while the bettors who wagered on Spain are surely furious with the final result. Likewise, plenty wagered on Spain to cover the spread at -1.5 with the wages at +110, while only a few were betting on both teams to score at +120.
The clash was easily ended in the over of the total of 2.5 goals at -143, while the late Iago Aspas’ goal made it over 3.5 goals at +150. We could easily see a couple of more, but both sides missed some great opportunities during the match.
Spain finished at the first spot in the Group B, so the Red Fury will meet Russia in the Round of 16 where it will be a -190 favorite to win the match, according to BetDSI Sportsbook. The odds on Spain to beat the 2018 World Cup are set at +400, while Morocco is going home with one point out of three games, straight from the bottom of the Group B.