Croatia managed to place third in the 2022 World Cup after defeating Morocco with a score of 2-1.
The winning goals were scored by Josko Gvardiol and Mislav Orsic.
While Morocco’s goal was scored by Achraf Dari.
This victory made Croatia finish third in the 2022 World Cup.
It was recorded that Croatia was able to rank third twice, namely 1998 and 2022.
The first half was running both teams immediately took the initiative to attack.
Croatia was able to take the lead in the 7th minute through a goal scored by Josko Gvardiol.
Starting from Luka Modric’s free kick in front of the Moroccan goal, then Ivan Perisic headed the ball into the middle and was continued by Josko Gvardiol through a header which managed to tear Yassine Bounou’s goal.
Not long after, Morocco was able to reply in the 9th minute through a goal scored by Achraf Dari through a header after getting the ball from Hakim Ziyech’s free kick which hit Lovro Majer.
Croatia was able to get back ahead in the 42nd minute through a goal scored by Mislav Orsic.
Mislav Orsic curled a shot into the top right corner of the net which Yassine Bounou couldn’t keep out.
The 2-1 score lasted until the first half was over.
In the second half both teams gave each other threats.
In the 70th minute, Morocco had a golden opportunity through Youssef En-Nesyri.
Unfortunately his shot was still secured by Dominik Livakovic.
It was Croatia’s turn to threaten Morocco’s goal in the 80th minute.
But unfortunately, Mateo Kovacic’s shot from inside the penalty box went wide on the right side of Yassine Bounou’s goal.
The 2-1 score remained unchanged until the long whistle sounded by the referee marking the end of the match.
With this result, Croatia managed to rank third in the 2022 World Cup.
Croatia ace player Luka Modric has said that he will play for Croatia until next year.
However, Modric has not confirmed whether or not he will play at Euro 2024.
Luka Modric made his 162nd appearance in the third-place clash against Morocco.
The Real Madrid player simply stated he would continue until the Nations League final in June.
“This medal is very important for us, for me, for Croatia as a national team, as a country,” Modric told beIN SPORTS.
“We confirm with this medal that Croatia plays an important role in the world of football and we leave Qatar as a winner,” he continued.
“About my future? I don’t know if I will [play] until the Euros in Germany. We’ll see,” said Modric.
“I have to go step by step. I’m enjoying the national team. I’m feeling good. I still think I can perform at a high level and I want to continue at least to the Nations League.”
“Then after that, there will be more time to think about the Euros. Now step by step and carry on at least until the Nations League and then we will see.”
Croatia will face Italy, Spain and the Netherlands in the Nations League final.
The draw for the new semi-final will take place on January 25 in Switzerland.
