2018 runners-up Croatia picked up the bronze medal at the 2022 FIFA Entire world Cup after a tricky-fought 2-1 gain over Morocco in the 3rd-place playoff. The Europeans have now claimed again-to-back podium finishes in the FIFA Planet Cup for the first time in their background.
Soon after shedding to Argentina and France in the semifinals, Croatia and Morocco locked horns in the 3rd-position playoff for a 2nd time in Qatar. The sides had confronted off in the group stage and were being inseparable at the time, playing out a goalless draw.
With captain Roman Saiss, Noussair Mazraoui and Nayef Aguerd ruled out via personal injury, the depleted Atlas Lions turned out in opposition to Croatia with the bronze medal on the line.
The recreation obtained off to an explosive start off, with both equally sides locating the internet within the opening 10 minutes.
Croatia took the direct immediately after only seven minutes through a Josko Gvardiol header. A brilliantly-worked cost-free-kick finished up in the box and the 20-12 months-previous RB Leipzig star planted a diving header into the back again of the internet.
Morocco replied immediately via centre-back again Achraf Dari, who started out in put of the stricken Saiss. The defender headed the ball earlier Dominik Livakovic a moment after the sport was restarted.
Just after the frantic start to the game, the match settled down as both sides appeared to outfox each other.
Croatia sent the killer blow just as the 50 percent was about to arrive to an conclude. Dinamo Zagreb winger Mislav Orsic curled a very first-time exertion from the edge of the box past Bono and into the back of the net by means of the upright in the 45th moment.
The 2nd 50 % noticed no plans scored by both facet as the held on to what they experienced. Croatia claimed the bronze medal, with captain Luka Modric participating in his ultimate World Cup match at 37 yrs old. They claimed a 3rd podium complete in the Earth Cup considering the fact that their debut in 1998.
