Croatia meet Morocco at Khalifa International Stadium in a play-off to decide third-place at 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Victory would see Croatia finish third for the second time in their history – having first done so in 1998, whilst Morocco are guaranteed their highest-ever World Cup finish regardless of the result of this match.
Team News
Josip Juranovic is set to be absent for Croatia after he was substituted in their semi-final defeat against Argentina with a calf injury.
Josko Gvardiol (foot), Borna Sosa (muscle) and Marcelo Brozovic (knock) are doubtful for this tie and manager, Zlatko Dalic could opt to rotate his squad with Josip Stanisic, Lovro Majer and Mislav Orsic looking for rare starts.
Morocco could be without Nayef Aguerd after he was dropped from the starting line-up in their semi-final loss to France, due to illness after recovering from a thigh injury.
Romain Saiss and Noussair Mazraoui (knocks) aren’t expected to feature with Jawad El Yamiq, Ilias Chair and Anass Zaroury amongst fringe players expected to start, with manager – Walid Regragui set to rotate his squad.
Stat Attack
- Croatia held Morocco to a goalless draw in their only previous meeting at a World Cup, which coincidentally came in their Group F opener at this tournament.
- Morocco are yet to beat Croatia after two previous meetings in all competitions, but remain unbeaten if exclude their defeat on penalties in Hassan II Trophy in December 1996 (D2).
- Croatia have failed to score in three of their six matches at this World Cup, of which two of those games finished goalless whilst they lost 3-0 to Argentina in the semi-finals.
- A clean sheet would see Morocco achieve their second-best defensive record at a World Cup of three goals – just one further goal conceded than en-route to Round of 16 at 1986 FIFA World Cup
- Croatia are yet to score the opening goal in any of their last 10 World Cup matches since prevailing 2-1 against Iceland in their final Group match at 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Prediction
Having battled hard to beat Japan and Brazil in Round of 16 and Quarter-Finals respectively to reach the semi-finals, Croatia were just outclassed from start to finish against Argentina and rarely on the front-foot so I do anticipate a strong reaction here.
Morocco meanwhile have been the romantic team of this tournament and despite suffering defeat to France in the semi-finals, they certainly didn’t roll over and should be proud of their gutsy efforts amidst defensive injuries and I do hope they have enough energy for one final fight.
This clash though is a rematch of the Group F opener between both teams which was a largely lacklustre contest, but I do expect both teams to be up for the fight despite pride largely being at stake so hopefully there will be goals.
If that is the case, I would fancy Morocco to try and edge this because despite fatigue proving an issue within their squad, they have shown spirit and unity right through to the semi-finals and possess fringe players who will be eager to impress with their fresh legs.
Croatia meanwhile haven’t exactly played vintage football this tournament and with their end product issues which have been persistent, I can’t see them taking this match too seriously given that there is little at stake whereas Morocco would certainly love to finish on a high with third-place.
Prediction: Croatia 0-1 Morocco
Result: Croatia 2-1 Morocco
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