Spain vs. Morocco: What Morocco Must Do to Advance to Next Round

The Moroccan football team is going to need a lot of help to advance to the next round in the 2012 London Olympics, but it can start by defeating what has been a disappointing Spanish side this summer.

Spain, largely considered to be the favorite to capture gold in the Olympics this year, has already been eliminated from second-round play after consecutive 1-0 defeats to Japan and Honduras.

If Morocco can shock Spain for a third time on Wednesday, the side would need Japan to beat Honduras. Morocco would also need to overcome a goal differential between Honduras. Honduras is currently at plus-one, while Morocco is at negative-one.

Here's a look at what Morocco must do against Spain to advance to the next round in Olympics play.

Attack

Normally this wouldn't be the tactic against a strong Spanish offense, but Morocco needs to make up that goal difference between Honduras and it's not like Spain has been lighting up the scoreboard lately.

Japan was in attack mode against Spain last Thursday, getting off 10 shots, including four shots on goal. The side scored early in the 34th minute, putting pressure on the Spanish side from the start.

While Honduras only got off six shots on Sunday, the side continually pressured Spain, leading to seven yellow cards for the side.

Get Into Spain's Head

It's rare that a team like Morocco can disrupt Spain's rhythm or composure, but we've already seen Spain tacked with a red card against Japan (including 17 fouls) and seven yellow cards against Honduras.

Whatever has happened to Spain has snowballed. The former world power has somehow lost its swagger and confidence, while Morocco played Japan tough on Sunday.

Morocco got off 13 shots against the Japanese, including 10 on goal, but wasn't able to capitalize. There's still a chance of Morocco breaking through the Spanish defense.

Battle Past Fatigue

Morocco will be faced with an interesting obstacle against Spain.

Because of the Muslim tradition of Ramadan fasting, the side will have to battle fatigue throughout the grueling match.

Pim Verbeek does have defender Zakarya Bergdich back after his red card against Honduras, but that may not be enough if most of the squad isn't physically prepared against what is sure to be a determined Spanish side.

Morocco must battle through the pain and exhaustion to advance to the next round.

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