Croatia beat Morocco 2-1 in World Cup third-place

By SD Reporter On Dec 17, 2022

- Advertisement -

Superb goals from Josko Gvardiol and Mislav Orsic helped Croatia beat Morocco 2-1 to finish in third place for the second time at a World Cup.

Defeat for Morocco saw them miss out on the chance to become the first African nation to pick up a medal at a World Cup, while Croatia’s victory meant a European nation has now won the third-place play-off in the last 11 tournaments.

Croatia took a seventh-minute lead through a stunning diving header from Gvardiol to cap off a fine tournament for the impressive 20-year-old centre-back.

But Morocco responded immediately as Achraf Dari nodded home from close range just two minutes later.

- Advertisement -

Croatia restored their lead, though, in the 42nd minute with a wonderful curling winner from Orsic as his first-time effort inside the box bent past Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and went in off the far post.

Morocco came close to a late equaliser but Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic denied Youssef En-Nesyri to ensure they claimed their second World Cup bronze medal after achieving the feat in 1998.

Croatia’s players celebrate after winning the Qatar 2022 World Cup third place play-off football match between Croatia and Morocco at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on December 17, 2022. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)

Morocco’s forward #19 Youssef En-Nesyri reacts after missing a last minute chance during the Qatar 2022 World Cup third place play-off football match between Croatia and Morocco at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on December 17, 2022. (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR / AFP)

Croatia’s defender #02 Josip Stanisic (2nd R) jumps for the ball during the Qatar 2022 World Cup third place play-off football match between Croatia and Morocco at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on December 17, 2022. (Photo by Jewel SAMAD / AFP)

- Advertisement -