FIFA World Cup, Match 63, Third-place playoff: Croatia edge past Morocco 2-1 and finish third in World Cup

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

So, the stage was set for another great battle as it was another chance for Morocco to create history by claiming the third spot in this tournament. Their dream run throughout the tournament has been in the headlines so far. On the other hand, Luka Modric was looking to end this tournament on a high by winning this match.    

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

Speaking of the match, Croatia did not take too long to open the scoring. In the seventh minute, Croatia’s defender, Josko Gvardiol scored the opener through a thumping header. Ivan Perisic assisted him and the goal started with a beautiful free-kick from Luka Modric. But, Morocco responded instantly. 

In the ninth minute, Achraf Dari scored the equalizer from six yards out. Hakim Ziyech delivered the ball into the box from a free-kick and Dari somehow managed to put it into the goal. Then, in the 24th minute, Modric managed a low shot which Yassine Bounou saved and the ball fell for Ivan Perisic. But, Morocco’s goalkeeper came up with a save again to deny him. But, in the 42nd minute, Mislav Orsic scored the second goal for Croatia and Marco Livaja assisted him.  

Thus, the first half ended 2-1. In the second half, Orsic came close to scoring a brace in this game. He cut inside the box from the left side and hit the ball toward the goal. But, it got deflected off a Croatian defender and it ended up at the side batting only. After that, in the 75th minute, Youssef En Nesyri hit a volley but Croatia’s Livakovic made a comfortable save. Finally, the game ended 2-1 in favor of Croatia and they finished the World Cup as the third-placed team.         

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