"It would be a sensational story" - Chris Sutton predicts Morocco to shock Portugal in 2022 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal

Premier League legend Chris Sutton has predicted that Morocco will shock Portugal in their 2022 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal. The two sides meet on Saturday, December 10, at the Al Thumama Stadium in Qatar.

Morocco have become the tournament's underdog story, beating Spain 3-0 on penalties in the last 16.

Walid Regragui's side won Group F, which consisted of 2018 FIFA World Cup runners-up Croatia and third-placed Belgium.

Sutton has tipped the Atlas Lions to secure another shock result against Portugal and become the first-ever African side to advance to the competition's semi-finals.

For BBC Sport, he wrote:

"Morocco are going to find this game a lot harder than stopping Belgium or Spain, but they are super-organised defensively - they have only conceded one goal at this World Cup - and extremely aggressive on the break."

Sutton added:

"I really want Morocco to go though - their fans are amazing and it would be a sensational story for them to reach the semi-finals. My head is telling me Portugal, because they are bubbling with confidence now, but I am a bit of an old romantic - and I am going to follow my heart here."

The former Chelsea striker has predicted a 1-0 victory for Morocco over Fernando Santos' men.

History is made 🇲🇦 The fourth African team to ever make it to the quarter finals. Bravo Morocco 👏🏿 https://t.co/ciMb86D6uZ

However, he did make a case for Selecao das Quinas, who he was impressed with after their 6-1 destruction of Switzerland in the Round of 16. Cristiano Ronaldo was dropped to the bench by Santos, which was seen as a brave call by the Portuguese coach.

Benfica's 21-year-old striker Goncalo Ramos came in as Ronaldo's replacement and scored a memorable hat-trick.

Sutton claimed that the Portuguese are better off without their captain in the side:

"Like Manchester United, Portugal appear to be better off without Ronaldo."

The winner of the clash between the Navigators and Morocco will face either England or France in the semi-finals on Wednesday, December 14.

Portugal deny that Ronaldo threatened to leave the squad at the FIFA World Cup

Ronaldo is enduring a difficult FIFA World Cup

Ronaldo continues to endure a tumultuous FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar.

The Portuguese icon scored Santos' side's first tournament goal in a 3-2 win over Ghana in their opener. However, the 37-year-old's performances have left much to be desired, and he has struggled in front of goal with just one so far.

Ronaldo came off as a second-half substitute in Portugal's shock 2-1 defeat to South Korea.

The former Manchester United striker was frustrated and appeared to signal to Santos' bench that he felt the coach couldn't wait to substitute him.

Not only did Fernando Santos bench Cristiano Ronaldo, but also decided to replace him with 21-year-old Goncalo Ramos who had yet to make his World Cup debut.

A bold managerial decision that paid off for Portugal 👏 https://t.co/kKPMJHQSpL

Rumors have grown that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner threatened to leave the squad after intense talks with Santos.

However, Portugal have released an official statement rubbishing the speculation:

"The FPF clarifies that at no time did the captain of the National Team, Cristiano Ronaldo, threaten to leave the national team during the internship in Qatar."

Whether Ronaldo will start against Morocco following Ramos' incredible hat-trick against the Swiss remains to be seen.