Morocco crosses Haiti World Cup aerial threat analysis

Morocco advances, pushes forward, occupies the flanks and multiplies balls into the box. But data from the first two World Cup matches also tells of a limitation that opponents can exploit: Moroccan crosses find almost no one.

On Bladi.net : Morocco Haiti World Cup: Opta reveals set-piece danger

Against Brazil, the Atlas Lions attempted 15 crosses and won 2 corners. Yet this presence on the flanks produced only a single header, according to Opta figures. Morocco finished the match with 14 shots, but only 3 on target, for a total of 1.368 expected goals.

The observation is even more striking against Scotland. Morocco won 5 corners, attempted 10 crosses, but produced only a single header. Here too, territorial dominance was not always converted into clear danger: 12 shots, only 2 on target, and 0.994 expected goals.

In total, over his first two matches, Morocco accumulated 25 crosses and 7 corners, for only 2 headers. A low figure for a team that plays a lot through the flanks and regularly seeks to stretch opposing blocks.

Achraf Hakimi concentrates much of this activity. Against Scotland, he delivered 5 crosses and 10 touches, a sign of strong activity on the right flank. Against Brazil, he provided 4 crosses and 8 touches, with 3 chances created in the match. But this activity is not yet translating sufficiently into clear opportunities in the box.

This detail could matter against Haiti. If the opponent chooses to defend deep, as many teams do against Morocco, the Lions risk having the ball, pushing down the flanks and multiplying crosses. But figures show that this solution is not yet a completely reliable weapon.

On Bladi.net : Morocco Haiti World Cup: Beware the underdog trap

Morocco has the players to make a difference. It also has the figures to dominate. But before Haiti, one question remains open: can Moroccan crosses finally become something other than a sign of dominance?