FIFA World Cup Highlights: Underdogs Croatia Beat Morocco 2-1 To Finish Third

Both Croatia and Morocco didn't reach the final four stage of the tournament by mere fluke and would want to end the tournament on a high by claiming a podium finish.

Background

Despite a loss in the semifinals for both of Croatia and Morocco, a bronze medal finish will be at stake when they take on each other for the third-place Playoff at the Khalifa International Stadium a few hours from now. Their dream of lifting the World Cup trophy may have been shattered but who wouldn't want a third-place finish as a consolation that too at the grandest stage of international football. In this context, the game holds significance.

While Croatia were outplayed by Lionel Messi-led Argentina, Morocco came on the back of a defeat to France. Despite a defeat in the semis, it remains a highly successful campaign for both these sides. While Croatia were on the verge of reaching their second successive World Cup final, Morocco became the first African team ever to reach the semifinals of the World Cup.

In short, both teams didn't reach the final four stages of the tournament by mere fluke but it took some skill to reach that far in the tournament. Youssef En-Nesyri is the leading goal scorer for Morocco in the tournament so far with 2 goals in 6 matches. Croatia's  Andrej Kramaric also has 2 goals from 6 games and both of them would love to add to their goals tally and aid their team end their campaign on a high.

The fact that Croatia have been in and beaten the Netherlands in a third-place playoff way back in the 1988 World Cup edition does add a bit of a psychological advantage perhaps that but that have no role to play as soon as the action commences. Morocco, it seems, gave a tougher fight to France than Croatia gave Argentina in the semifinals. They had their moments but failed to convert it into goals which France did better.

All in all, things look ready to a great game of football after which it will be a happy end to a campaign for at least one team after losing the opportunity to play at the grandest stage of all the FIFA World Cup final which will be played between Argentina and France on Sunday (December 18, 2022).

Probable Starting XIs:

Croatia:
Livakovic, Stanisic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa, Modric, Jakic, Kovacic, Vlasic, Kramaric, Perisic

Morocco:
Bono, Hakimi, El-Yamiq, Dari, Attiyat-Allah, Ounahi, Amrabat, Amallah, Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal

22:29 PM (IST)  •  17 Dec 2022

FIFA World Cup Live

Underdogs Croatia, runners-up in 2018, beat Morocco 2-1 to finish third in 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament.

22:13 PM (IST)  •  17 Dec 2022

FIFA World Cup Live

Morcco still trailing Croatia 2-1 in the second half. 

21:23 PM (IST)  •  17 Dec 2022

FIFA World Cup Live

Croatia lead Morocco 2-1 at the end of first-half! For Croatia, Orsic and Gvardiol scored while Achraf Dari scored for Morocco. Just minutes before the first-half got over, Croatia's Mislav Orsic got the 2nd breakthrough for his team.

21:07 PM (IST)  •  17 Dec 2022

FIFA World Cup Live

So close! Luka Modric could have almost scored but misses an oppurtunity!  Croatia almost got a lead here but goalkeeper Livakovic stops the ball easily!

20:49 PM (IST)  •  17 Dec 2022

FIFA World Cup Live

Equaliser! Achraf Dari on-spot header helps Morocco equalizes 1-1 against Croatia in initial minutes of the match!