Croatia beat Morocco in World Cup third-place qualifier

Published on: 17/12/2022 – 18:15

Josko Gvardiol, one of the stars of the tournament in Qatar, took Croatia’s lead in the seventh minute at the Khalifa International Stadium, but Achraf Dari brought Morocco level right away.

Orsic’s terrific curling strike late in the first half helped Croatia win the bronze medal, the 11th World Cup in a row where a European team finished third.

“It’s a bronze medal but for us it’s like a gold medal,” said Croatian coach Zlatko Dalic.

Morocco coach Walid Regragui said his side were proud to reflect after becoming the first African semi-finalists in World Cup history.

“It’s a bitter loss but I think it’s deserved,” said Regragui.

“We have a team that never gave up. We will remember many matches, we will come back stronger. We united our country for a month, everyone was happy.”

Morocco, who had never made it past the round of 16 before this World Cup, signaled their intent with a fiery display against 2018 runners-up Croatia in their opener in Qatar.

The rematch had nothing to do with the cautious 0-0 draw in the group stage, with Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou coming dangerously close to slotting the ball into his own net early on.

Croatia took an early lead after a well-rehearsed free-kick as Ivan Perisic sent Lovro Majer’s clip back into the box to a diving Gvardiol, who planted his header in the corner.

But Morocco fought back two minutes later when Hakim Ziyech’s free-kick bounced off Majer’s head, allowing Dari past Dominik Livakovic.

Andrej Kramaric headed straight for Bounou, who then did well to win the ball to safety as Marko Livaja moved close after knocking down a drive from Luka Modric.

Orsic brilliantly curled in via the post from the corner of the box to put Croatia ahead before half-time after 18-year-old Moroccan debutant Bilal El Khannouss lost the ball deep in his own half.

Orsic closed again moments after the restart, his effort on goal brushing past Jawad El Yamiq and narrowly past the post.

Croatia were furious when Gvardiol fell inside the area when his foot appeared to be caught by Sofyan Amrabat, but there was no VAR review.

It could have changed the game had Youssef En-Nesyri found a way past Livakovic, who spread superbly to block the striker from close range.

Mateo Kovacic put wide with the chance to put the game beyond doubt. Morocco saw a late penalty appeal dismissed and En-Nesyri headed just over, but the Atlas Lions could not find their way back after their historic run.

(AFP)