Croatia and Morocco cancelled one another out of their first World Cup match in Group F, with neither facet actually threatening throughout 90 minutes.
- Few possibilities in 0-0 draw
- Bounou denied Kramaric, Hakimi got here shut
- Mazraoui taken off injured in second half
TELL ME MORE: Croatia’s risk within the first half was restricted to long-range efforts from Ivan Perisic and Luka Modric, whereas Youssef En-Nesyri fluffed a header from shut vary for Morocco. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was wanted to disclaim Andrej Kramaric in first-half stoppage time, however there was little else to excite in after the break, with Morocco struggling a blow as Noussair Mazraoui got here off injured on the hour mark. Hakimi’s long-range strike from distance was the closest Morocco got here, as the 2 sides performed out a largely forgettable affair on the Al Bayt Stadium.
THE MVP: Achraf Hakimi. In a recreation that promised such offensive expertise however largely did not ship, the defenders dominated the affair in Al Khor. Hakimi offered a number of essential interceptions whereas he was a relentless risk along with his tempo going ahead, and will have scored an early contender for aim of the match had his long-range free-kick been both facet of Dominik Livakovic within the Croatia aim.
THE BIG LOSER: Andrej Kramaric. Whereas Croatia’s centre-forward got here shut late within the first half, the 31-year-old discovered himself largely remoted up high with Morocco’s midfield intercepting any potential risk earlier than it reached its goal. Having did not make a lot of an impression, the Hoffenheim striker was changed by Marko Livaja on 71 minutes.
MATCH IN THREE PHOTOS:
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AS IT STANDS:
WHAT NEXT? After Morocco and Croatia cancelled one another out of their Group F opener, each side will likely be on the lookout for their first wins on matchday two, which come subsequent Monday towards Belgium and Canada, respectively.
MATCH RATING (OUT OF FIVE): ⭐
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