Mislav Orsic scored the winner as Croatia beat Morocco 2-1 to say third place at World Cup 2022 on Saturday.
- Croatia beat Morocco
- Gvardiol & Orsic heading in the right direction
- Bronze medal after second-place end in 2018
TELL ME MORE: Croatia beat Morocco 2-1 within the third-place match to verify a comfort prize within the competitors. Zlatko Dalic’s aspect took simply seven minutes to open the scoring by way of Josko Gvardiol. The thrilling defender couldn’t preserve with Lionel Messi final outing however ensured his spectacular event ended on a excessive with a diving header that made it 1-0. But Morocco hit again nearly instantly, with Achraf Dari producing a header of his personal to equalise. Croatia restored their lead simply earlier than half-time with a superb curling effort from Orsic that turned out to be the winner.
It might have been legendary midfielder Luka Modric’s closing worldwide match, and in that case, he will get to exit in constructive vogue.
THE MVP: Orsic will steal all of the headlines along with his successful aim however Gvardiol deserves loads of plaudits for his efficiency, significantly as he bounced again nicely from his ordeal towards Messi. The defender scored an important header to get his staff off to the right begin, made numerous essential interceptions and likewise ought to have gained a penalty within the second half when he ran by way of on aim and was caught on the ankle by Sofyan Amrabat.
THE BIG LOSER: Morocco deserve big credit score for his or her efficiency at World Cup 2022 after making historical past by turning into the primary African staff to achieve the semi-finals. The Atlas Lions got here inside a whisker of taking this recreation to extra-time too. Youssef En Nesyri was handed a wonderful probability to make it 2-2 deep into stoppage time however may solely head onto the roof of the online after out-jumping Ivan Perisic.
MATCH IN THREE PHOTOS:
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WHAT NEXT? Each groups head dwelling after spectacular campaigns on the World Cup. Croatia will now swap focus to qualifying for Euro 2024, which begins in March towards Wales. Morocco will return to motion in slightly below a month after they face Sudan.
MATCH RATING (OUT OF FIVE):⭐⭐⭐