Croatia vs. Morocco Match Analysis and Prediction

Croatia vs Morocco Match Analysis & Prediction

Croatia

17/12/2022 6:00 pm

Morocco

by Bryce

2 years ago 0 439

DISCLAIMER: All odds are quoted at time the prediction went live. Check the sports book for updated odds

The bronze medal in the 2022 World Cup will be at stake Saturday in a third-place playoff between Croatia and Morocco at Khalifa International Stadium. Neither side should turn its nose up at a podium finish on the grandest stage.

In its semifinal match, Zlatko Dalic’s team was comfortably beaten 3-0 by Argentina, while the Atlas Lions fought valiantly against France but were defeated 2-0.

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Very few players have been able to get the better of RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol in a one-on-one situation, but Lionel Messi was one of them.

Messi opened the scoring for Argentina against Croatia from the penalty spot before Julian Alvarez’s solo run brought La Albiceleste their second goal.

There was nothing fortunate about Argentina’s third, as Messi rolled back the years on the right-hand side before picking out Alvarez to tap home Argentina’s third and deny Croatia a second successive appearance at a World Cup final against France, no less.

Morocco gave France a scare in their semi-final clash, but the Atlas Lions were ultimately unable to overcome the lack of killer instinct in the final third that prevented them from cementing themselves into footballing folklore as the first

African team to make it to a World Cup final. Walid Regragui’s side certainly showed that Moroccan football is on the rise and will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.

However, Morocco’s efforts were not helped by three early injuries that saw Noussair Mazraoui, Romain Saiss, and Nayef Aguerd withdrawn before half-time.

Croatia vs. Morocco Head to head

Both sides have one game against each other that ended in a draw.

13/12/2022

Croatia

0

Morocco

0

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17/12/2022

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Croatia Team News

Injured midfielder Marcelo Brozovic is a major doubt for Croatia’s third-place playoff after withdrawing from the semi-final against Argentina due to discomfort.

Defender Gvardiol played through pain in midweek, but coach Zlatko Dalic insists he will not risk anyone who is not 100% fit. If Brozovic cannot play, Lovro Majer and Kristijan Jakic could be options to replace him if needed.

Croatia's Last 5 Matches

13/12/2022

Argentina

3

Croatia

0

World Cup
09/12/2022

Croatia

1

Brazil

1

World Cup
05/12/2022

Japan

1

Croatia

1

World Cup
01/12/2022

Croatia

0

Belgium

0

World Cup
27/11/2022

Croatia

4

Canada

1

World Cup

Morocco Team News

Morocco was dealt several injuries during its match against France, with Karim Ait Fana, Hamza Mendyl, and Mbark Boussoufa all being taken off. Regragui did not have to call on any reserves, but one of his regular starters – Ait Fana – was forced out before the match began.