Croatia
defeated Morocco 2-1 in the World Cup third-place play-off on Saturday, with
Mislav Orsic curling home the winner.
Josko Gvardiol, one of the tournament stars in Qatar, headed Croatia into the lead in the seventh minute at the
Khalifa International Stadium. Still, Achraf Dari brought Morocco level right away.
Orsic’s terrific curling strike late in the
first half ensured Croatia took home the bronze medal, in the 11th World Cup in a
row a European team finished third.
Morocco, the first World Cup semi-finalists in
history, had signalled their intent with a spirited display against 2018
runners-up Croatia in their opening game in Qatar.
The
rematch was nothing like the cagey 0-0 draw in the group stage, with Morocco
goalkeeper Yassine Bounou dangerously close to passing the ball into his own
net early on.
Croatia soon surged in front from a
well-rehearsed free-kick as Ivan Perisic nodded Lovro Majer’s clip into the box
back towards a diving Gvardiol, who planted his header into the corner.
But Morocco hit back two minutes later when
Hakim Ziyech’s free-kick looped up off the head of Majer, allowing Dari to head
past Dominik Livakovic.
Andrej
Kramaric headed straight at Bounou, who then did well to scoop the ball to
safety as Marko Livaja closed in after spilling a drive from Luka Modric.
Orsic curled in brilliantly via the post from
the corner of the box to put Croatia back on top before half-time after
18-year-old Morocco debutant Bilal El Khannouss lost the ball deep in his half.
Orsic again went close moments after the
restart, his goalbound effort brushing Jawad El Yamiq and fizzing narrowly past
the post.
Croatia were furious when Gvardiol tumbled
inside the area when his foot appeared to be caught by Sofyan Amrabat, but
there was no VAR review.
It could have proved a match-changing moment
had Youssef En-Nesyri found a way past Livakovic, who spread himself superbly
to block the striker from close range.
Mateo Kovacic put wide with the chance to put
the game beyond doubt. Morocco had a late penalty appeal turned down and
En-Nesyri headed just over but the Atlas Lions could not find a way back after
their historic run.
0 Comments