FIFA World Cup, Match 63: Croatia defeat Morocco 2-1, secure third place in the World Cup

Croatia locked horns with Morocco in the ongoing FIFA World Cup on 17 December 2022. It was the third-place playoff encounter that took place in the Khalifa International Stadium. However, both teams lost their respective semi-final clashes. Argentina defeated Croatia by 3-0 while defending champions, France defeated Morocco by 2-0.

So, fans were expecting another great match between these sides. However, Morocco have impressed everyone so far with their performance in this tournament. So, it was another great chance for them to surprise the World. On the other hand, Croatia were also looking to give Luka Modric a fitting end to this event by winning this match.    

Croatia defeated Morocco 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2022

Speaking of the match, Croatia looked more threatening since the beginning of this clash. They took only seven minutes to score the opener.  Croatia’s defender, Josko Gvardiol scored a thumping header and made it 1-0. Ivan Perisic came up with the assist but initially, it was a beautiful free-kick delivery from Luka Modric. 

After that, In the ninth minute, Morocco responded and scored the equalizer. Morocco’s defender, Achraf Dari scored from six yards out. Hakim Ziyech delivered the ball into the box from a free-kick and Dari managed to put it into the goal. Then, in the 24th minute, Yassine Bounou came up with a double save to deny Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic respectively. Perisic had a chance to score with a tap-in but Morocco’s goalkeeper prevented them. But, in the 42nd minute, Mislav Orsic scored a beautiful curler goal from the edge of the box and made it 2-1 for Croatia. 

Marco Livaja assisted him and the first half ended 2-1. In the second half, Orsic had another attempt at the goal after cutting inside from the left side. But, his effort got deflected and hit the side net only. After that, in the 75th minute, Croatia’s Livakovic made a comfortable save when Youssef En Nesyri hit a volley. Finally, the game ended 2-1 in favor of Croatia and they finished the World Cup as the third-placed team.