Croatia takes third place with 2-1 win over Morocco at World Cup 2022: Live updates
Croatia defeated Morocco 2-1 in the third-place playoff at the 2022 FIFA World Cup thanks to Mislav Orsic’s spectacular goal at the conclusion of the first half.
Morocco started tentatively without important defenders Romain Saiss, Nayef Aguerd, and Noussair Mazraoui until Josko Gvardiol converted a well-worked set piece in the seventh minute. However, centre-back Achraf Dari was left unnoticed and retaliated promptly.
With the pressure off, both teams continued to attack, providing for an entertaining sight. The most lavish moment of the first half occurred when Orsic lofted a magnificent finish over Bono and in off the far post after the Moroccan goalkeeper watched his team give up possession on the edge of his area.
The second period became more attritional as both sides suffered injuries and put everything on the line one last time after their superb campaigns in Qatar.
Morocco takes on Croatia in the tournament’s third-place game Saturday at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, live on FOX.
It is the final match of the 2022 World Cup before the final between Argentina and France on Sunday (coverage begins at 9 a.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app).
Morocco enjoyed a fantastic run to the semifinals before falling just short of the ultimate objective, being the first African country to do so.
Meanwhile, Croatia silenced the sceptics who doubted the squad could repeat its 2018 victory and shown that it can be a contender for years to come. Both sides are treating Saturday’s game as if it were the World Cup final.
Croatia took the lead in the first minute, with defender Josko Gvardiol scoring with a straight-on header.
Two beautiful headers to set up Croatia's opening goal 😍🇭🇷 pic.twitter.com/oXbBD5xnDv
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 17, 2022
Morocco levelled the scoring just seconds later with a close-range header from defender Achraf Dari.
What a header by Achraf Dari to even the score for Morocco 🔥🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/Ywt7qkZEji
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 17, 2022
Croatia nearly took the lead back when midfielder Luka Modric got off a reasonable shot, but the Morocco goalkeeper denied the attempt.
Croatia with a big chance but Bono keeps it out of the net 😤 pic.twitter.com/BEjxFVppWQ
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 17, 2022
Morocco midfielder Sofiane Boufal pulled off this pretty pass.
This pass was too smooth by Boufal 🔥 pic.twitter.com/MSMgiQBbjT
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 17, 2022
This goal by Oršić was TOO NICE 🎯🇭🇷 pic.twitter.com/XeGge0P7Me
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 17, 2022
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Croatia forward Andrej Kramaric was emotional when he departed the game early in the second half due to an injury.
Croatia's Andrej Kramarić is overcome with emotion as he comes off due to injury pic.twitter.com/FdxSy4Zbu5
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 17, 2022
