Let me tell you something interesting: for this match, what I’m most bullish on isn’t who wins, but the number of goals.
What’s Morocco’s situation right now? They’re level with Brazil at the top, but their goal difference is two fewer. What does that mean? It means they not only have to win, but win by as many goals as possible. Think about it: a team on a 31-match unbeaten run is already good at starting fast, and with the incentive to boost their goal difference, wouldn’t they be attacking from the opening whistle?
Haiti are even more interesting. They’re already out, so they’re actually more relaxed. Since it’s their last game anyway, wouldn’t they go all out for the first World Cup goal in the country’s history before heading home? Even the head coach said before the match that they would fight with everything they’ve got. And for the substitute players, who finally got a chance to play, wouldn’t they be desperate to put in a performance? A team with no pressure like that often plays with much more freedom.
Some people say Haiti’s defense is poor, and I agree, but you have to compare them with someone. Of course they’re worse than Brazil, but what about compared with Morocco? In fact, Morocco’s scoring output isn’t especially high either, averaging just 1.3 goals per game. But that’s against strong teams; against a side like Haiti, their attacking firepower is on a completely different level.
Of course, in football anything can happen. If Morocco decide that a two-goal win is enough and take their foot off the gas, or if Haiti are determined to park the bus, it could still stay under. But on balance, with the line at 3 goals, I think the better chance is that it goes over.