World Cup 2022: Why to expect a Hakim Ziyech assist against Spain

The Atlas Lions incredibly went unbeaten in Group F with Belgium, Canada and 2018 runners-up Croatia to qualify for the knockout rounds in first place for just the second time ever.

A shock win over the 2010 champions would send Morocco through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time ever, and there are plenty of reasons to suggest that another Qatar upset is on the cards.

It was only six months ago that Chelsea attacker Hakim Ziyech was watching his country in action from home, having retired from international duty at the age of just 28 following a major falling out with Vahid Halihodzic.

However, Ziyech has returned to Walid Regragui's ranks with a bang, and while his quest to become an important player for Chelsea is still failing to bear fruit, he continues to shine for the national team.

Ziyech's contributions for Morocco include 19 goals and 11 assists from 46 caps, the latest of which saw him lift a delightful effort over Canada goalkeeper Milan Borjan - who inexplicably gave the ball straight back to Morocco while attempting to clear - for his first World Cup goal.

The 29-year-old's creative acumen was also on display in the group stage, as he produced a fine cutback for Zakaria Aboukhlal to score his side's second in their 2-0 win over Belgium - his sole assist of the World Cup so far.

However, Ziyech could very easily have set up multiple goals at the tournament, as the former Ajax man leads the way in several playmaking categories for the Atlas Lions ahead of their last-16 battle.

No Morocco player has created more chances (seven), played more passes into the box (17) or recorded more carries (43) than Ziyech, who is more than likely thinking about his own career prospects as well as international success with his string of strong showings.

The Chelsea attacker is seemingly surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge and could be allowed to leave in January, so harnessing his creative excellence against Spain would certainly drum up interest in his services, and there is no reason to suggest why he cannot do so.

Spain are a force to be reckoned with on the attacking front as well, but conceding two avoidable goals against Japan has highlighted some of the defensive flaws within Luis Enrique's ranks.

Morocco also have previous when it comes to making the net ripple against Spain, scoring four goals in their three meetings - the most recent of which was a 2-2 draw at the 2018 World Cup - and Ziyech should prove to be a key cog in any attacks that the Atlas Lions can conjure up on Tuesday.

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