Croatia vs Morocco – Preview, H2H, Line-ups, Odds, Prediction, Live Stream | FIFA World Cup 2022 

HAKIM ZIYECH vs Bernardo Silva in PORTUGAL V MOROCCO
HAKIM ZIYECH vs Bernardo Silva in PORTUGAL V MOROCCO

Croatia and Morocco will battle for the 2022 FIFA World Cup third-place trophy when they meet at the Khalifa International Stadium this Saturday.

Venue: Khalifa International Stadium (Doha) 

Key Statistics

Croatia have lost just one of their last 12 games (W8, D2). 

They have failed to score in their last two games within 90 minutes.

Morocco have lost just one of their last 12 games (W8, D3).

Ten of the last 11 World Cup third-place play-offs produced over 2.5 total goals, whilst eight games during that sequence also saw both teams score.

World Cup trivia: Only one third-place play-off in World Cup history has gone to extra time when France defeated Belgium with two extra-time goals in a 4-2 victory back in 1986.

Head to head

Both sides met in this World Cup group stage, and the game ended happily. 

Latest performances in all competitions

Croatia: L-W-W-D-W

Morocco: L-W-W-W-W

Croatia 

Croatia’s quest to appear in two consecutive FIFA World Cup finals was ended last time when they were embarrassed by a flawless Argentina side led by the mesmeric Lionel Messi.

In an entertaining game at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on Tuesday, Croatia began the game in good shape, keeping most of the ball and not allowing Argentina any time on the ball. However, a defensive mistake by goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic gave Argentina a way back in the game as the goalkeeper fell Julian Álvarez in the box. 

Lionel Messi converted the penalty to give Argentina the lead against the run of play. However, despite their best efforts, Croatia could not get back into the game. Manchester City’s Alvarez scored twice to seal the win for Lionel Scaloni’s side, who play France in the final.

Having missed out on the final, Zlatko Dalic’s side will now look to win the bronze medal and a reported extra $2m in prize money for the victor.

However, Croatia has not really enjoyed good results in Qatar, with stalemates generally the theme of their World Cup. They required penalty shootouts in both knockout successes and might have to go the distance again to beat a highly disciplined Morocco side they couldn’t score against when both sides met in the group stage.

However, European sides have claimed third place in every World Cup after 1978, so Croatia may be quietly confident of winning in what is likely to be the final appearance at a World Cup for 2018 Ballon D’or winner Luka Modrić.

Possible Croatia starting line-up

Dominik Livakovic, Josip Juranovic, Dejan Lovren, Josko Gvardiol, Borna Sosa, Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, Mateo Kovacic, Mario Pasalic, Andrej Kramaric, Ivan Perisic.

Injured: None 

Doubtful: Marcelo Brozovic

Suspended: None 

Morocco 

History makers Morocco must overcome their emotional low of missing out on the final when they face Croatia on Saturday.

The Atlas Lions have enjoyed a memorable time in Qatar and have made history by becoming the first African side to reach the Semi-final of a World Cup.

And so, no matter what happens here, they will be proud of their achievement. However, they will be gunning to leave Qatar with something tangible and the extra cash due to bronze medalists.

Morocco come into this tie on the back of a disappointing 2-0 loss to France. Despite being the better side throughout the game, an early goal from Theo Hernandez and a late Kolo Muani strike sealed the win for the world champions.

A lack of fitness and injuries to key players was the undoing of the Atlas Lions, who lost vital defenders Romain Saïss and Nayef Aguerd to injuries before and during the game. 

After the game, Morocco coach Walid Regragui admitted his side were “at 60% or 70%” of their ability due to fitness issues. This may be a cause for concern ahead of this final game.

However, the threat of Croatia won’t faze Walid Regragui’s men after they recorded wins over Spain and Portugal, proving they can mix it with elite European nations.

Possible Morocco starting line-up

Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi, Achraf Dari, Jawad El Yamiq, Yahia Attiat-Allah, Sofyan Amrabat, Selim Amallah, Azzedine Ounahi, Hakim Ziyech, Youssef En-Nesyri, Sofiane Boufal.

Injured: None

Doubtful: Noussair Mazraoui, Romain Saiss, Nayef Aguerd

Suspended: None 

Odds

 Odds-CroatiaOdds-Morocco%  Croatia% Morocco
To qualify1.7002.05054.7945.21
In 90 mins2.3503.00038.3930.07
In Extra-time11.00013.0008.206.94
In Penalty11.00011.0008.208.20

Prediction

Croatia 1-2 Morocco 

Live Stream

For details, FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022 – TV Broadcast / Live Stream