The Atlas Lions of Morocco held the Checkered Ones of Croatia to a 0-0 draw in Group F of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.
The Africans started with Youssef En-Nesyri in attack, with Hakim Ziyech and Sofiane Boufal supporting on the flanks. For Croatia, it was Andrej Kramaric up-front, while Ivan Perisic and Nikola Vlasic on the wings.
Morocco looked towards Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech for inspiration as they faced a resilient Croatia side, but his good work lacked an end product. Croatia winger Vlasic went close at the end of the first half, but his low effort was saved by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounouroatia (R) saves effort from Croatia winger Nikola Vlasic (13) during Qatar 2022 World Cup match.
Both teams could not find the breakthrough as the referee blew the halftime whistle.
Early in the second half, Morocco had an appeal for a penalty waved away after Sofiane Boufal’s shot appeared to hit Dejan Lovren’s arm. Then left-back Noussair Mazraoui’s had his header saved by goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.
Moments later, Dejan Lovren’s effort at the other end was blocked by Sofyan Amrabat. However, Croatia had a chance through centre back Josko Gvardiol, but his header went wide in the 80th minute. With both defences not willing to fold, the match came to a 0-0 conclusion as both sides shared the spoils in Group F.
The Group F encounter produced little goalmouth action and ended in the third goalless draw at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup so far.
Morocco and Croatia will be happy with a point from a match where nothing could separate them, with both sides having seven attempts at goal and just two on target.
Morocco coach Walid Regragui was over the moon that his side had prevented the Croatians from scoring.
“Modric was unbelievable, what a player,” Regragui said before declaring his satisfaction with a draw against one of the best teams in the competition.
