With the World Cup just around the corner, teams are finishing up their final tune-ups before heading down to Brazil for the tournament. Russia and Morocco are facing off in their final friendly before bidding farewell to their countries and preparing for the tournament. These friendlies are the last chance for players to impress and coaches to adjust their lineups which could make for some interesting play.
Russia is a good spot in the World Cup. Getting place in Group H, they will face off against South Korea, Belgium and Algeria, teams they stand a very good chance of beating. That puts Russia in position to qualify for the knockout stages if they play well. The team is coming off an unimpressive game against Norway that finished in a 1-1 draw, leaving head coach Fabio Capello to make defensive adjustments.
Russia's goal scoring has been on point during this recent run despite the loss in Norway. Alexander Kerzhakov has five goals to his name while Russia found the net 20 times during qualification. Right now, Russia's focus is getting captain Roman Shirokov back to full speed before the tournament. He was named to the roster despite suffering Achilles issues back in April. He has not played since and needs these friendlies to get his fitness together.
Morocco is the underdog in this friendly as well as the World Cup in general. The North African nation has not made the World Cup tournament since 1998 and a matchup against Russia will be a good test for the roster after losing 2-0 to Angola last week. The World Cup is not the total focus for Morocco. The team is more concerned for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015 which is being held in their country for the first time in 27 years.
Morocco has not fared well in recent tournaments. They were bounced early from CAF qualification. They lost in the second round after finishing second in Group C to the Ivory Coast. This year should not be any easier for the nation. Morocco will use these friendlies as simply warmups.
