DOHA — Croatia defeated Morocco 2-1 in the World Cup
third place play-off on Saturday, with Mislav Orsic curling home the winner.
اضافة اعلان
Josko Gvardiol, one of the stars of the tournament in Qatar,
headed Croatia into the lead in the seventh minute at the Khalifa International
Stadium but Achraf Dari brought Morocco level right away.
Orsic’s terrific curling strike late in the first half ensured
Croatia took home the bronze medal, the 11th World Cup in a row a European team
has finished third.
Morocco, the first Arab and African World Cup semifinalists
in history, had signaled their intent with a spirited display against 2018
runners-up Croatia in their opening game in Qatar.
The rematch was nothing like the cagey 0-0 draw in the group
stage, with Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou dangerously close to passing the
ball into his own net early on.
Croatia soon surged in front from a well-rehearsed free-kick
as Ivan Perisic nodded Lovro Majer’s clip into the box back towards a diving
Gvardiol, who planted his header into the corner.
But Morocco hit back two minutes later when Hakim Ziyech’s
free-kick looped up off the head of Majer, allowing Dari to head past Dominik
Livakovic.
Andrej Kramaric headed straight at Bounou, who then did well
to scoop the ball to safety as Marko Livaja closed in after spilling a drive
from Luka Modric.
Orsic curled in brilliantly via the post from the corner of
the box to put Croatia back on top before half-time after 18-year-old Morocco
debutant Bilal El Khannouss lost the ball deep in his half.
Orsic again went close moments after the restart, his goal
bound effort brushing Jawad El Yamiq and fizzing narrowly past the post.
Croatia were furious when Gvardiol tumbled inside the area
when his foot appeared to be caught by Sofyan Amrabat, but there was no VAR
review.
It could have proved a match-changing moment had Youssef
En-Nesyri found a way past Livakovic, who spread himself superbly to block the
striker from close range.
Mateo Kovacic put wide with the chance to put the game
beyond doubt. Morocco had a late penalty appeal turned down and En-Nesyri
headed just over but the Atlas Lions could not find a way back after their
historic run.
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