A thrilling first half saw Croatia edge out the Atlas Lions for the tournament’s third spot.
Croatia defeated Morocco 2-1 in the game for World Cup’s third place on Saturday. Mislav Orsic scored a stunning curler as the Checkered Ones claimed a narrow win over their African opponents.
Croatia leave World Cup with a medal!
The game started with both sides pushing for an early opener. Croatia managed to outpace their opponents to score the opener through Josko Gvardiol in the seventh minute.
However, Morocco bounced back with an instant equalizer. Achraf Dari made it 1-1 for the African giants with a header as they got back into the game.
The pace of the game didn’t drop after Morocco’s goal. Instead, both sides pushed forward through their wingers. A wonderful link-up play between Hakim Ziyech and Achraf Hakimi almost completed Morocco’s comeback.
But it was Croatia who finally restored their lead in the 42nd minute. Following an assist from Marko Livaja, Orsic scored a fantastic curler from the left side of the box to put Croatia ahead.
Morocco made several attempts to score their second equalizer in the second period, while Croatia refused to stay in their own half.
The Checkered Ones found a few chances to increase their lead in the final ten minutes. But they had no luck in converting their chances.
Croatia, who ended the 2018 World Cup as the runner-ups, finished another impressive campaign by claiming the Bronze medal.
On the other hand, Morocco’s record-breaking side still have a lot to celebrate as the tournament’s deadliest underdogs.
Player Ratings
Croatia: Livakovic (6), Stanisic (7), Sutalo (6), Gvardiol (7), Perisic (6), Modric (7), Kovacic (7), Majer (6), Kramaric (7), Orsic (8), Livaja (7).
Bench: Vlasic (6), Jakic (-), Pasalic (6), Petkovic (7).
Morocco: Bono (6), Hakimi (7), Dari (7), El Yamiq (6), Attiat (5), Allah (6), Amrabat (5), El Khannouss (6), Ziyech (7), Sabiri (5), Boufal (6), En-Nesyri (6).
Bench: Benoun (6), Ounahi (6), Amallah (7), Zarouy (6), Chair (5).
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