Croatia defeated Morocco 2-1 within the World Cup third place play-off on Sunday morning (all occasions AEDT), with Mislav Orsic curling residence the winner.
Josko Gvardiol, one of many stars of the event in Qatar, headed Croatia into the lead within the seventh minute on the Khalifa International Stadium however Achraf Dari introduced Morocco degree instantly.
Watch the world’s greatest footballers each week with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. LIVE protection from Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Serie A, Carabao Cup, EFL & SPFL. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Orsic’s terrific curling strike late within the first half ensured Croatia took residence the bronze medal, the eleventh World Cup in a row a European staff has completed third.
“It’s a bronze medal however for us it’s like a gold medal,” Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic mentioned.
Luka Modric and his Croatian teammates have a good time the win (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)Source: FOX SPORTS
Walid Regragui, the Morocco coach, mentioned there was so much for his staff to proudly mirror on after they grew to become the primary African semi-finalists in World Cup historical past.
“It’s a bitter defeat however I feel it’s deserved,” mentioned Regragui. “We have a staff that by no means gave in. We’ll bear in mind a variety of matches, we’re going to come back again stronger. We’ve united our nation for a month, all people was comfortable.”
Morocco, who had by no means gone past the final 16 earlier than this World Cup, had signalled their intent with a spirited show in opposition to 2018 runners-up Croatia of their opening recreation in Qatar.
The rematch was nothing just like the cagey 0-0 draw within the group stage, with Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou dangerously near passing the ball into his personal web early on.
Croatia quickly surged in entrance from a well-rehearsed free-kick as Ivan Perisic nodded Lovro Majer’s clip into the field again in direction of a diving Gvardiol, who planted his header into the nook.
But Morocco hit again two minutes later when Hakim Ziyech’s free-kick looped up off the top of Majer, permitting Dari to go previous Dominik Livakovic.
Benzema to make shock return for Final? | 00:46
Andrej Kramaric headed straight at Bounou, who then did nicely to scoop the ball to security as Marko Livaja closed in after he spilt a drive from Luka Modric.
Orsic curled in brilliantly by way of the submit from the nook of the field to place Croatia again on prime earlier than halftime after 18-year-old Morocco debutant Bilal El Khannouss misplaced the ball deep in his half.
Orsic once more went shut moments after the restart, his goalbound effort brushing Jawad El Yamiq and fizzing narrowly previous the submit.
Croatia had been livid when Gvardiol tumbled inside the realm when his foot gave the impression to be caught by Sofyan Amrabat, however there was no VAR assessment.
It might have proved a match-changing second had Youssef En-Nesyri discovered a well beyond Livakovic, who unfold himself fantastically to dam the striker from shut vary.
Mateo Kovacic put large with the possibility to place the sport past doubt. Morocco had a late penalty attraction turned down and En-Nesyri headed simply over however the Atlas Lions couldn’t discover a manner again after their historic run.
